ISSUE
44
December 2010
Radiation therapy and prostate cancer Radiation therapy or radiotherapy is a widely used and effective treatment for prostate cancer. In general terms, all radiation therapy techniques use some form of high energy or ‘ionising’ radiation to cause damage to the cancer. By interfering with the way enough of the cancer cells grow or multiply, radiation therapy can reduce or eliminate the cancer.
Brachytherapy is another well known form of radiation therapy for prostate cancer where an implant is placed in the prostate to deliver the radiation directly within it. Like EBRT, it can be given in a few different ways. A permanent implant uses small radioactive pellets, about the size of a grain of rice, which deliver a gradual dose of radiation (over about six months) to an area of just a few millimetres. By placing a large number of these throughout the prostate under anaesthetic, a substantial dose of radiation can be effectively delivered to the cancer, with only a small amount to the surrounding areas. This is called low-dose-rate or LDR brachytherapy.
Radiotherapy can be used to treat cancers within the prostate to try to cure it, as well as being very useful for suppressing complications of cancer which has spread to other parts of the body. It is typically delivered using a machine called a linear accelerator which produces a beam of high energy x-rays; this is called external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Modern linear accelerators range from the standard large machine which has a beam that can move slowly around the patient, to accelerator heads built into machines similar to CT scanners or on robotic arms.
Alternatively, a temporary high-dose-rate or HDR brachytherapy treatment can be delivered in hospital over 24 hours. Under anaesthetic, up to 20 needles are inserted into the prostate to deliver small, highly intense radiation for a short duration. In most cases, this is done with two or three large radiation doses during the one implant session. After the treatment, all the needles are removed and no radioactivity remains within the patient. HDR is often supplemented with EBRT, where its effect is equivalent to more than four weeks of EBRT alone and so it halves the duration of a typical EBRT course. CONTINUED PAGE 3
FROM THE CEO
National Board
September and PCFA’s The Difference Is You – Host a Barbecue for Prostate Cancer campaign were an outstanding success. I have received reports of barbecues held across Australia – some small, some large, but all with the same purpose – to raise awareness of prostate cancer and funds to support PCFA’s programs. To everyone who took part, thank you very much – and don’t forget that you can hold a BBQ at any time of the year, not just in September.
Chairman
Graeme Johnson
Deputy Chairman
David Sandoe OAM
September also saw Table 4 Ten (T4T) rolled out across four cities (Brisbane, Launceston, Hobart and Sydney). Altogether, around 1,500 people attended these four events to raise funds and promote greater awareness of prostate cancer. My sincere thanks to all the members of the various organising committees, and in particular the National Chairman of T4T, Robbie Robertson, for such great events that will only be bigger and better next year. In recent weeks PCFA has finalised its 2010 research grants round. We received 84 applications for funding this year in our four categories (young investigators, project grants, concept grants and equipment grants). The quality was the highest we have ever received and the National Research Committee (under the Chairmanship of Professor John Mills) had an enormous task to rank them. At this stage it looks like PCFA will fund – thanks to our ongoing partnership with the Movember Foundation – more than $6 million in research this year. The next issue of Prostate News will highlight some of the new projects we are funding. As the year comes to an end, let me thank each of you for your ongoing support and commitment to the work of PCFA. Best wishes for an enjoyable festive season and wonderful 2011. Regards
Finance Director Chris Hall Research Chairman Professor John Mills Medical Specialists Associate Professor Phillip Stricker, Professor Tony Costello Support & Advocacy Chairman David Gregory Rotary
John Palmer
State Chairmen Tony Sonneveld OAM (NSW/ACT) Des Grogan (VIC), Jim Freemantle (WA) Jim Hughes (QLD , TAS) Professor Villis Marshall AC (SA)) Independent Directors Professor Dexter Dunphy AM Anita Ziemer Patricia Watson Observer Peter Gebert
Associate Professor Phillip Stricker National Board Member As an inaugural National Director of PCFA, Associate Professor Phillip Stricker (MBBS, FRACS) has been part of the organisation since the beginning, and was instrumental in establishing Australia’s first prostate cancer support group at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital in 1991 and the subsequent initial network of support groups with Max Gardner and Jayne Matthews. He is also Director of the St Vincent’s Prostate Cancer Clinic and is recognised as one of Australasia’s pre-eminent urologists and prostate cancer surgeons. As a medical expert, Associate Professor Stricker's main role on PCFA’s national board is to provide advice in areas such as PSA testing policy, research priorities and opportunities for improving education about prostate cancer for both the general public and the medical community. ‘The most rewarding thing for me has been to see PCFA grow into such a strong body – from having a single support group in Sydney to more than 100 groups Australia-wide, all helping men and their families,’ said Associate Professor Stricker. ‘The increase in prostate cancer awareness has been really encouraging, and it’s great that we’re able to offer reputable, evidence-based information on the disease.
find us on
‘In the future I hope the research funded by PCFA will lead to some real breakthroughs in the management of prostate cancer. At the same time, it’s important that we keep building our educational resources and supporting patients and their families through the support network. There needs to be a fine balance between these three elements so we can continue improving the lives of men with prostate cancer.’
For men with prostate cancer which shows no evidence of having spread, radiation is a viable treatment option. For those with very early cancers, virtually all radiation techniques are suitable and highly successful, as are other options such as surgery, or in many cases, close observation. LDR brachytherapy is often used in this group with cure rates above 90 per cent. For more advanced prostate cancer, especially where surgery would not be likely to remove all the cancer, radiation is a mainstay therapy, particularly EBRT. HDR brachytherapy can also be used for some of these men to intensify the therapy. In some cases, hormonal therapy is recommended before (and sometimes after) the radiation to increase the chance of cancer control. Men who have had a radical prostatectomy are also often suitable for radiotherapy if the cancer was found to be more advanced than first thought. As with any treatment, each radiation technique has a risk of side effects. EBRT has the highest risk of depositing some of the dose at the bottom of the bladder and the lower bowel next to the prostate. This can result in feelings of bladder irritation, or bleeding from the bowel. In the vast majority these symptoms don’t represent a health threat or affect the patient’s quality of life. Brachytherapy tends to isolate the radiation dose to within the prostate, thereby minimising side effects to nearby organs, but on the other hand, it can increase urinary pain and frequency. Although rarely severe, this may be for a number of months in the case of LDR. Research also suggests that LDR preserves erectile function in a greater proportion of men than surgery or EBRT. Although descriptions of all the advances in radiation therapy are beyond the scope of this article, there is no doubt that major changes based around technological advances have had a huge impact. This is well seen in relation to EBRT, where our ability to accurately define and target the prostate has improved to the point where millimetre precision is standard in all machine
types. Similarly, the dose of radiation can be accurately formed into complex shapes when needed, using advanced computer technology such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Despite these advances, many questions remain as to how best to use radiation therapy, who should be treated with radiation or what dose of radiation to give in certain situations. Research is continuing to address some of these issues. In Australia in particular, there are several large-scale randomised trials which are looking at how much radiation to give on a daily basis using EBRT for men who don’t have surgery. Another study is investigating the issue of who to treat with radiation after surgery and when it is best to do this. These studies are run through a network of local researchers called the Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) which cover nearly every radiation oncology centre in Australia and New Zealand, while many other studies are being run internationally. Associate Professor Scott Williams is a consultant Radiation Oncologist with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Uro-Oncology service mainly treating prostate cancer. Scott is heavily involved in research, managing several clinical trials in prostate cancer, chairing the prostate subcommittee of the national ANZUP trials group and sitting on ethics as well as several national research and advisory committees. He is the only non-American to receive a creativity award from USA Prostate Cancer Foundation, their highest individual honour for research, for novel translational research. He is also a collaborator on active research grants for work ranging from clinical trials to functional imaging to mathematical modelling, with national and international collaborations.
PROSTATE NEWS 3
Best of the best attend PCFA’s second international conference ‘Intimacy After Prostate Cancer’ panel discussion. Left to right: Pam Sandoe OAM, Dr Phillip Katelaris, Dr Rosie King, David Sandoe OAM, Dr John Mulhall, Dr Michael Gillman and Associate Professor Pauline Chiarelli.
PCFA’s recent Advancing Quality of Life conference on the Gold Coast saw almost 1,000 delegates gather to hear from some of the world’s leading experts on prostate cancer research, management, health promotion, treatment and support. The gathering also offered a unique opportunity for Support Group representatives from around Australia to gather, share ideas and experiences and create an action plan for 2011 and beyond. This highly successful conference was unique in that it catered for support groups, health professionals and the research community through designated conference streams. PCFA CEO Andrew Giles said that PCFA was honoured to be able to create an international conference that delivered so much value across a range of areas. ‘As the peak Australian body in prostate cancer, we feel very privileged to have facilitated a meeting among key stakeholders in research, healthcare professional education, support groups and health promotion,’ he said. Key international speakers included: Professor Peter Scardino, the head of the Prostate Cancer Program at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre. Along with other colleagues, he has pioneered the use of statistical models to predict the natural progression of prostate cancer and how it will 4 PROSTATE NEWS
respond to treatment. On the first day of the conference, Professor Scardino presented a session on Advancing Prostate Cancer –The Future of Treatment. Dr John Mulhall, a mircrosurgeon and specialist in sexual and reproductive medicine from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre. Dr Mulhall is the author of the recently released Saving Your Sex Life: A Guide for Men with Prostate Cancer. On day two of the conference, he presented the session on this topic. Virgil Simons', (founder of Prostate Net, USA) innovative approaches to health promotion (using barbers and other networks to convey health messages) are used as models in countries around the world, including Australia. He presented two sessions – Rationalising the New Healthcare Paradigm: Scientific Agenda vs Patient Imperatives; and Mixing the Message: Communication Strategies for Men’s Health. Interviews with these speakers will appear in upcoming issues of Prostate News, as well as in the About Us section of PCFA’s website – www.prostate.org.au The combined meeting of the Australian Canadian Prostate Cancer Research Alliance Symposium and the Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland was held in conjunction with PCFA’s Conference.
During the conference, PCFA Support Group delegates gathered to create a declaration containing commitments and action plans relating to many issues. These included: • We will continue to work to ensure that men and their families affected by a diagnosis of prostate cancer are always the prime focus of our ongoing work. • We will ensure that PCFA continues to work tirelessly and fearlessly to provide support for all people affected by prostate cancer across all ethnic and socioeconomic boundaries. • We commit to continue working with the medical fraternity of GPs, urologists, radiation specialists, oncology specialists and other medical and health professionals to increase awareness about prostate cancer and the role of Support Groups. • We commit to make representations to governments, seeking spending on prostate cancer commensurate with its incidence and impact on the community. • We will work at all levels of our Foundation to build an even stronger and more widespread network of Support Groups around Australia.
PCFA Support Group representatives, a key element in the success of the Advancing Quality of Life Conference.
• We commit to equip all Support Group leaders with the skills to approach local entities (private and public) to ensure support for the establishment and maintenance of groups in their area as appropriate. • Current data suggests that five per cent of men diagnosed attend a Support Group. We propose a target increase to 10 per cent over the next year. • We commit to encourage and help all levels of our community to be aware of the existence of Support Groups, and to encourage all men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer and their partners and carers to avail themselves of the facilities offered by, and the benefits of becoming members of Support Groups.
Visit the About Us section at www.prostate.org.au to view the full conference declaration. Bikers showing their support outside the Gold Coast Conference Centre.
Throughout the conference, guests had the opportunity to mingle in the Exhibition Hall, or during meals and entertainment at the Innovation and Gala Dinners. On the final day of the conference, delegates were excited by the rumble of 150 motorcycles as they roared into the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Participants from The Long Ride, Rumble Down Under and the Blue Ribbon rides gathered at the conference for a special barbecue to promote The Difference Is You! – Host a Barbecue for Prostate Cancer campaign. Thank you to all who attended the Advancing Quality of Life International Conference. We hope you found it to be an enjoyable, enlightening and inspiring experience. PROSTATE NEWS 5
Thanks for sizzlING Everyone! PCFA and the Commonwealth Bank, major sponsor of The Difference Is You! – Host a Barbecue for Prostate Cancer campaign, extend a sincere ‘thank you’ to all Australians who hosted a barbecue or purchased a BBQ Kit throughout September, to help raise awareness of prostate cancer and much needed funds for research. On 1 September, PCFA launched September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, in Sydney with a Big Blokes BBQ. Entertainment and sporting stars including Les Hill (Rescue Special Ops), NRL legend Mario Fenech, Qantas Wallaby Adam Freier, and retired Sydney Swan’s star Jared Crouch spoke at the launch, supporting the work of PCFA. The campaign received an extraordinary response this year. While funds are still flowing in from these barbecues and the sale of BBQ Kits through Commonwealth Bank branches and Barbeques Galore outlets, this generosity means PCFA can continue to provide vital services in the areas of support for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their loved ones, awareness, and the funding of vital world-class Australian research into the cause, treatment and prevention of prostate cancer. PCFA CEO Andrew Giles, said that during September the generosity shown by so many Australians demonstrates increased awareness about this disease, its prevalence and impact on the community.
PCFA’s The Difference Is You! - Host a Barbecue for Prostate Cancer campaign was created with the generous assistance of the Commonwealth Bank, a major supporter of PCFA since 2002. Throughout September, Commonwealth Bank branches across Australia sold BBQ Kits, each containing barbecue tongs, apron, stubby holder and paper napkins. Proceeds from the sales of these BBQ Kits go directly to PCFA. Local Commonwealth Bank branches also hosted their own barbecues in September, helping to raise vital funds and awareness among local communities. The Commonwealth Bank is committed to the communities in which it operates and to supporting organisations that contribute to the health and wellbeing of all Australians. For more information, visit www.commbank.com.au/community
6 PROSTATE NEWS
The launch of September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month at Doltone House in Sydney. Left to right: Event hosts, 2UE’s Brandy and Gibbsy, with NRL legend Mario Fenech, retired Sydney Swan’s star Jared Crouch and Qantas Wallaby Adam Freier.
‘The fact that so many Australians took the opportunity to host a barbecue, raise funds, and start a conversation about this disease indicates a significant shift in community understanding. By talking about it, Australians are beginning to realise just how many of their loved ones, friends and colleagues are impacted by a diagnosis of prostate cancer. We are now saying, “enough is enough.” ‘When it comes to helping improve outcomes for men diagnosed with prostate cancer, we have come a long way, but there is still a long way to go. ‘Thanks to the terrific ongoing support of the Commonwealth Bank, major sponsor of The Difference Is You! campaign, its staff, and all those Australians who participated, PCFA can continue to lead the fight against this all-too-common disease,’ he said.
Les Hill and PCFA CEO Andrew Giles chatting at the launch of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Sydney.
PCFA thanks these organisations for their generous fund and awareness raising efforts through September Commonwealth Bank
Bunnings
Angove Family Winemakers
Scarborough Wines
BBQs Galore
Simson Greeting Cards
Mitchell and Partners
Volley
PROSTATE NEWS 7
Table4Ten hosts 150 dinner parties
T4T guests dined at prestigious restaurants and some more unusual venues, such as the Commonwealth Bank Vault with chef Sean Connolly.
Table4Ten (T4T) is a unique event designed to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer in Australia. During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this year, T4T hosted tables of ten at 150 of the most prestigious restaurants and venues in Launceston, Hobart, Brisbane and Sydney on four consecutive
Tuesday nights. Some 1,500 diners took part in this year’s event with Launceston leading the way on 7 September, Hobart and Brisbane following on 14 and 21 September consecutively, and Sydney concluding the grand month of gastronomy on 28 September. In Sydney, participating restaurants and venues included Astral, Buon Ricordo, Guillaume at Bennelong, Marque, Quay and Tetsuya’s, as well as unique venues like the Australian Museum and the Commonwealth Bank Vault. It also involved some of the country’s most prestigious chefs including Tetsuya Wakuda, Sean Connolly, Armando Percuoco, Peter Gilmore, Tony Bilson (himself a prostate cancer survivor) and Matt Moran. At each dinner party, guests were treated to a specially designed food menu. In NSW and Queensland these meals were complemented by a stunning range of wines generously donated by Glandore Estate. After dinner, guests were transported to an exclusive after party in locations kept secret until the last moment.
La Scala Restaurant Sydney
8 PROSTATE NEWS
‘T4T is the ideal opportunity to get together with friends and enjoy great food and fine wine from some of Australia’s most superb chefs and caterers, in a relaxed and fun environment. The event now in its third year here in Sydney provides a real contrast against the more serious and traditional charity events that have been held in the past,’ said Table4Ten founding Chairman Robbie Robertson.
Another Momentous
Movember As we go to print, razors around the country are being dusted off, marking the end of another momentous Movember (the month formerly known as November). Each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in Australia and around the world, with the sole aim of raising vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and depression in men. Men sporting Movember moustaches, known as Mo Bros, become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their mo-growing efforts. In 2009 alone, Movember raised a staggering $9.1 million dollars for PCFA’s prostate cancer research program, supporting important, world-class Australian research into the cause, treatment and prevention of prostate cancer. This year, PCFA Support Groups and supporters joined the PCFA Movember team, generating much needed funds and awareness for prostate cancer, as well as a little healthy competition between friends and colleagues.
Money raised in Australia is shared equally between programs targeting prostate cancer and male depression. Funds are committed to Movember’s men’s health partners, PCFA and beyondblue – the national depression initiative, and the Movember Foundation. At the end of Movember, a series of Gala Partés were held across Australia to thank Mo Bros and Sistas for their remarkable fundraising efforts. Mo Bros (dressed to suit their mo) and Mo Sistas (dressed to suit their Mo Bro) came together to celebrate the mo and compete for a number of category titles. The Gala Partés are what Movember is all about; great mates, health, and fun – and of course, the mo. Since inception, Movember has continued to grow each year, both in terms of participation numbers and funds raised. In its first year, 30 Mo Bros took part and last year, in Australia alone, more than 128,000 Mo Bro and Sistas got on board, raising more than $21 million. Big steps have been taken towards changing attitudes and habits relating to men’s health around the world, but there is still much to be done to catch up with the women’s health movement. Via the moustache, Movember aims to continue to provoke conversation each year, with a view to breaking down long-standing and traditional taboos and habits. To all the Mo Bros and Sistas who participated in Movember this year, thank you. By getting into the mo spirit, you have really made a difference to the estimated 20,000 Australian men diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone.
PCFA CEO, Andrew Giles and long-standing staff member Connie Cameron prepare for Movember.
PROSTATE NEWS 9
Roy takes on ambassador role to reduce stigma beyondblue Ambassador Roy Francis.
As a new ambassador for beyondblue: the national depression initiative, Roy Francis hopes talking about his experience with depression will help to reduce stigma and encourage other men to seek help for anxiety and depression. Roy, who is also a PCFA community speaker, says it’s important that men learn how to talk about their feelings and stresses. ‘I had a difficult final five years at work and was subsequently diagnosed with depression,’ he says. ‘The coping skills I learnt when I eventually sought professional help held me in good stead for later dealing with a chronic illness.’ Roy and his wife Helen travel throughout Victoria speaking to service clubs and helping set up support groups. He hopes his new role with beyondblue will also strike a chord with people. Prostate cancer survivors are twice as likely to develop depression or a mental health problem when compared to other men in the community.* ‘What I’ve learnt from my experiences with depression and prostate cancer is that men need to talk about it,’ Roy says. ‘They need to be more open and not feel ashamed to ask for help. Don’t bottle it up, there is help available.’ For more information visit beyondblue at www.beyondblue.org.au or call the information line on 1300 22 4636: • Fact Sheet 34 – Prostate cancer and the risk of depression/anxiety • Free booklet, Maintaining your well-being: Information on depression and anxiety for men with prostate cancer and their partners. *Couper, JW, Bloch, S, Love, A, Duchesne, G, Macvean, M and Kissane, DW,
10 PROSTATE NEWS
'The psychosocial impact of prostate cancer on patients and their partners, MJA, 185 (8), 428-432, 2006.
Update on PSA Testing and Screening
Dr David Malouf, President, Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand
The role of PSA testing and PSA screening continues to be hotly debated in both medical and public forums with detractors expressing concern regarding the accuracy of the PSA test, the potential for over-diagnosis and overtreatment, and questioning whether screening saves lives. Now, new information on the role of PSA testing is emerging which will reshape the prostate cancer debate. The preliminary findings of the European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer were released in 2009. This well-conducted study with nine years of follow-up and more than 150,000 participants showed a 31 per cent reduction in deaths from prostate cancer in men aged 55-69 who underwent prostate cancer screening compared to those who were not screened. A study from Sweden, released just a few months ago, and with even longer follow-up, showed a near 50 per cent reduction in the risk of dying from prostate cancer in those who were screened. This information is very encouraging and suggests regular PSA testing will impact on the number of Australian men, currently estimated to be more than 3,300, who die every year from prostate cancer. There is also new information which shows an initial PSA test at or around the age of 40 is a strong predictor of a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer in the future. At the other end of the spectrum, a low PSA at age 60 may identify a very low risk group that may not require any further testing. Having this information will
help doctors individualise PSA testing to identify aggressive cancers needing treatment and to avoid the over-detection and overtreatment of tumours which are unlikely to cause harm in the future. Genetic tests are also being developed to assist in this process of individualising prostate cancer testing. New treatments for advanced disease are on the horizon and strategies for preventing prostate cancer are under evaluation. The future is looking much brighter for Australian men diagnosed with this disease.
PROSTATE NEWS 11
A Fighting Fund for Prostate Cancer In response to requests for different ways people can support the work of PCFA, we have recently updated information on how to do this through a bequest or gift to the Foundation. Recent reports show that more than 50 per cent of Australians die without leaving a valid will and close to 75 per cent feel their current will does not reflect their current wishes. It is a good reminder that we all need to update our wills as our lives change. Funds received through bequests to PCFA will be directed to a Fighting Fund for prostate cancer projects identified by the National Board. In developing the Fighting Fund, we sought advice from Roger Climpson AO, who was involved in the establishment of PCFA. One of Australia’s best known and respected television personalities, Roger was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1994 and underwent successful surgery. Roger’s experience led him to realise that the situation for men with prostate cancer had to be improved. Roger is active in Rotary, promoting prostate cancer awareness. In September, he presented to an enthusiastic audience of more than 100 at the Lane Cove Men’s Health Expo. His call to action there was, ‘PCFA has achieved much to help men and their families affected by prostate cancer …but there is still much to do. I ask of you all – help us find the answers together.’
Roger Climpson, AO.
For more information about supporting PCFA’s Fighting Fund please contact The Gift Officer – Wendy Farrow on wfarrow@prostate.org.au or call on 02 9438 7040. We can also arrange a visit if that would help.
Financial support for incontinence: are you eligible? Previously known as the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme, the new Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) provides an annual subsidy of $497.79 for people with permanent or severe incontinence, with an eligible medical condition. Unlike the previous scheme, CAPS provides people with complete control over their product preferences, including what they buy and where they buy it from. Incontinence is an underestimated condition that can have a huge impact on a person’s confidence and self esteem. It can also be an expensive condition because of the wide range of products needed to manage symptoms, from bed protection to pads and skin care products. The CAPS subsidy can be deposited directly into your bank account, or a guardian or carer’s account, meaning you can purchase your products from specialist providers, your local pharmacy or even your supermarket – the choice is yours. As with the previous scheme, you can still opt to have your subsidy directed to a continence product supplier’s account.
12 PROSTATE NEWS
So, is prostate cancer an eligible condition? Yes, but there are a range of other criteria that must also be met. Call the National Continence Helpline on free call 1800 33 00 66 to speak to a continence nurse, who will talk you through the process. The helpline can also refer you to local continence services that can support you from assessment right through to treatment – including determining your eligibility for both federal and state funding schemes. For further information contact 1800 33 00 66 or visit www.continence.org.au
NSW
Annual Mango Auction, 2010. Left to right: Chef Joe Camilleri, PCFA NSW Chairman Tony Sonneveld OAM, PCFA NSW State Manager Wendy Farrow, chef Matt Kemp, Angry Anderson and chef Sean Connolly.
Following the national launch of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month at the Big Blokes BBQ in Sydney on 1 September, the Annual Mango Auction to support prostate cancer was held at the Sydney Markets on 8 September. An enthusiastic crowd enjoyed a crack of dawn barbecue run by the Nepean Blue Mountains Support Group, with additional culinary treats from top chefs Sean Connolly, Matt Kemp and Joe Camilleri. Angry Anderson revved the crowd up to cheer on fresh food champions Woolworths, who paid $30,000 for the first tray of mangoes for the season, with funds raised supporting PCFA. Just days later at another barbecue, Cruise Australia, who were major runners for PCFA in the City to Surf, presented PCFA with a cheque for the $10,000 achieved by their dedicated team. Great PCFA supporters Pirtek played a major role in September activities with the annual NRL Charity Match. PCFA supporters, many from the Westmead Support Group, went to Parramatta Stadium to cheer on the Pirtek Parramatta Eels, with Pirtek replacing their logo on the front of the jerseys with the PCFA logo. NSW Chairman Tony Sonneveld OAM and CEO Andrew Giles were presented with a cheque for $45,000 by Pirtek CEO Steve Dutton (the funds raised from the 2010 Pirtek Fishing Challenge). Sadly the mighty Eels didn’t make the finals, but their PCFA-branded jerseys helped raise a mighty $11,000 through an online auction. Pirtek then generously made PCFA their charity for their World Champions Dinner, with Jamaican sprinter and three-time World and Olympic gold medallist, Usain Bolt. The dinner was attended by PCFA’s Tony Sonneveld OAM, Darren Rudd, Angry Anderson and members of the Sydney Markets Mango Committee. This event was hosted by Alan Jones OAM, who did a mighty job during the night in raising awareness of prostate cancer and the
Lidsdale Pirtek manager Mark Collins is joined (left to right) by Mark Banks, Lana Collins, Angelique, Matt and Harry Richardson.
work of PCFA. Pirtek also continued their support for PCFA throughout the month with barbecues and other activities at 88 of their national franchises. Long-standing PCFA supporter, Farmoz, also joined the sausage sizzling scene, hosting more than 20 barbecues and involving a multitude of members from rural communities throughout
PROSTATE NEWS 13
NSW Australia. Farmoz purchased blue Weber barbecues which were raffled to raise funds and provided all the barbecue items, even the co-branded Farmoz and PCFA stubby holders. Farmoz also supported a regional radio campaign, developed with Thurnham Teece, to promote the BBQ campaign. During September, Parramatta Council promoted prostate cancer awareness by decorating Parramatta Town Hall in streaming PCFA blue banners and by holding a ‘BBQ in the Mall’ day on 23 September. Joined by members of the Westmead Support Group who had run awareness activities throughout the month, the event was well attended by the community, thanks to great support from Parramatta Council and Mayor Paul Garrard. A cheque for $5,000 was presented to PCFA NSW Chairman Tony Sonneveld OAM. In Canberra on Friday 24 September, nine members of the House of Assembly attended a ‘Pollies’ BBQ’ where they cooked and sold sausages, supported by members of the ACT Support Groups (see the full story on page 18). Also on this day the Peabody Golf Day achieved a great result, with $10,000 raised for PCFA, which was presented to NSW Board member Jim Lloyd. A regional promotion at Bathurst concluded this busy month. The Bathurst Support Group, in conjunction with Bathurst Council, held a community barbecue in the park, followed by a well-attended public awareness session featuring Associate Professor Phillip Stricker from St Vincent's Hospital. Usain Bolt and Alan Jones who won the auction for Usain's gold running shoe.
Lord Mayor of Parramatta City Council, Paul Garrard, and volunteers.
14 PROSTATE NEWS
We are so grateful to those mentioned here and the many others who have contributed throughout September to the fight against prostate cancer in NSW.
QLD Rumble Down Under another huge success Throughout August and September, bikers from across Australia took a ‘street level’ approach to encourage men to talk openly about prostate cancer. Hundreds of bikers spent two weeks travelling through regional Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory raising awareness of the disease and fundraising for PCFA. The bikers were a part of the annual Rumble Down Under charity bike ride. They have dedicated their time to speaking to men in regional and rural Australia about prostate cancer and encourage people to donate to help PCFA continue its important work. While final figures are still being calculated, it is certain that more that $50,000 was raised by this year’s Rumble ride. The charity bike ride wove through regional towns in four states and was supported by events in various locations along the way.
Kicking goals for prostate cancer In 2008 when Ryan Molloy and his mate John Slater started the Corporate Rugby Tens competition, there were just four teams involved, made up primarily of their friends. Yet they still managed to raise $10,000 for PCFA. This year, 12 teams participated, and just over $20,000 was raised. Endorsed by Queensland Rugby and played at Ballymore, this year’s round robin event saw the Macquarie Bank beat lawyers, McCulloch Robertson in the Grand Final. Of the Corporate Rugby Tens competition, Ryan says, ‘It’s a great way to stay fit, but also draw attention to the issue of prostate cancer. We are trying to promote awareness through sport and although the rivalry may be fierce, it is really great to have so many companies involved.’
PCFA Queensland State Manager Graeme Higgs joined Rumble Down Under as a participant in the ride. “Local initiatives such as the bike ride have the power to educate and inform men who live outside capital cities about prostate cancer,” he said. ‘Unfortunately men who live in rural and regional areas across Australia have a 21 per cent higher prostate cancer mortality rate than those in cities and metropolitan areas. Sometimes the only way to make sure we are reaching these men and their families is to talk to them face-to-face. ‘Events like Rumble Down Under put us in contact with men in these remote areas. Some blokes rarely see their doctor and it is worth reminding them of the risk of prostate cancer and what they can do to reduce that risk.’
The Isuzu ute kindly donated by Isuzu for PCFA to use during the Rumble Down Under ride. Left to right: Steve Henderson – Marketing and PR Coordinator – Isuzu UTE Australia Pty Ltd and PCFA’s Queensland State Manager, Graeme Higgs.
PROSTATE NEWS 15
VIC September bigger and blokier than ever!
Springtime in Italy at Il Duca
International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month kicked off in Victoria in a big way with the second annual Shepparton Big Blokes BBQ. Around 650 men sat down to a barbecue at Shepparton’s Eastbank Centre to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer. Guests were entertained by 3AW radio personality Brian Taylor and Channel 9’s Footy Show host James Brayshaw, with songs from radio star Greg Champion and impressions from comedian Andrew Startin.
On 16 September, Il Duca Restaurant in East Melbourne was the venue for a fundraising dinner for PCFA Victoria. ‘Springtime in Italy’ was the theme of the seven-course degustation dinner provided by host Dom Bonadicio and his staff.
Last year’s event drew a crowd of 500 men and raised $96,000 for PCFA’s work. This year’s lunch was on a larger scale, and booked out more than a month in advance, with tables selling for $1,000. Head of the organising committee, prostate cancer survivor and Chief Executive of McPherson Media, Chris McPherson said the event’s success shows that men enjoy gathering for a good cause. ‘We think we did a pretty good job getting the message out last year, but it’s one of those things that people need reminding about,’ said Chris McPherson. ‘This is another great opportunity for men to network and contribute to an important cause.’ PCFA National Chairman Graeme Johnson said that the men at the barbecue were talking openly about prostate cancer, some for the first time. ‘This event continues to raise awareness,’ he said. ‘It’s got men sharing stories and talking about the issues. Prevention is better than cure.’
The packed restaurant was treated to a wonderful Italian dining experience, along with a great list of items which were brought under the hammer by chief auctioneer, PCFA Victorian Chairman, Des Grogan. One of the waiters also entertained guests with renditions of operatic classics. PCFA CEO Andrew Giles and National Chairman Graeme Johnson spoke about PCFA’s important work in the areas of support, research and awareness. In all, a great success with plans to repeat the experience in 2011.
PCFA named beneficiary of national corporate triathlon PCFA has been named as the beneficiary charity for the NISSAN/BRW Corporate Triathlon National Series 2011. The Series has been iconic on the Australian triathlon scene for many years. What began in 1988 as a small-scale corporate challenge has grown into one of Australia's premier corporate sporting events. The unique event format fosters the development of important corporate values such as team work and company pride, while promoting the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle.
National Corporate Triathlon Melbourne: Sunday 20 February 2011 Adelaide: Sunday 27 February 2011 Perth: Sunday 13 March 2011 Sydney: Sunday 3 April 2011 Gold Coast: Saturday 3 May 2011
The Shepparton Big Blokes BBQ. Left to right: Commonwealth Bank Executive Manager Gerry Marvin, PCFA National Chairman Graeme Johnson, Shepparton Commonwealth Bank Regional Manager Graeme Fuller and PCFA Victoria State Manager David Rhodes.
16 PROSTATE NEWS
Entries open in November and January. For more information about events in your State, visit the Events page at www.supersprint.com.au
SA In South Australia during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Lord Mayor Michael Harbison led the charge to promote PCFA’s fundraising and awareness drive by hosting a sausage sizzle in Victoria Square. Throughout the month, the BBQ campaign in particular raised PCFA’s profile and presented an opportunity to heighten awareness and raise vital funds. Not only were Support Group stalwarts such as Ian and Pam Fisk and Theban and Jeff Roberts in attendance at Victoria Square, but Russell Gardiner and his cycling mates added a lot of colour as they were treated to sausage sizzle lessons from Lord Mayor Michael Harbison.
Lord Mayor of Adelaide Michael Harbison gives barbecue tips to Russell Gardiner and Daryl Marston.
Most importantly, a group of prominent South Australians has been assembled to form a State Board to champion the prostate cancer cause. Chaired by Professor Villis Marshall AC, the new board incorporates a previous body, Prostate SA, and includes real estate supremo Michael Brock as Deputy Chair, prominent hotelier Peter Hurley, political lobbyist Nick Bolkus and football identity Steven Trigg. Other Board Members include Margie Andrewartha, Michael Barrett, Helen Dundon, Malcolm Ellis, Justin Jamieson, Dr Peter Sutherland, Will Taylor and Dr Dick Wilson. The new South Australian Board of PCFA was introduced to the local business community at a function hosted by KPMG in September.
WA Western Australia launched its September campaign by hosting a Great Footy Breakfast on 9 September at Medibank Stadium. The venue was generously provided by PCFA WA’s community partner, the Subiaco Football Club. Three great footy legends came along to the breakfast – John Worsfold, ex-Eagles player Glen Jakovich, and Scott Staniforth from Emirates Western Force. Guests thoroughly enjoyed hearing from the players who spoke about their career highlights and future plans. Channel 9 presenter Mark Readings was MC for the event and conducted very entertaining interviews with the footballers. Perhaps the most remarkable part of the event was when Glen Jakovich (Jako), a great sport, underwent a nose wax to raise funds for PCFA. The nose wax was professionally performed by Guys Grooming, another of PCFA’s WA community partners.
PCFA’s Marketing and Sponsorship Manager Julia Kubincan with footy legends John Worsfold and Glen Jakovich and Guys Grooming therapist Samantha Black.
Apparently it wasn’t as painful as it looked! Thanks to the footballers, Channel 9 presenter Mark Readings, and all who attended this fun and entertaining event.
PROSTATE NEWS 17
Support Groups
The cooks. Left to right: Dean Hall, ACT Secretary of the CFMEU; ACT Legislative Assembly Deputy Chief Minister, Minister for Health and Minister for Industrial Relations Katy Gallagher MLA; and Warren Tegg, Industrial Relations Adviser to the Minister. Photo Steve Sweet (PCSG ACT Region).
Fired up in the ACT Members of the Prostate Cancer Support Group ACT Region kept themselves very busy throughout September. On 2 September, a web site – http://prostate-cancer-support-act. net – and accompanying brochure were launched by the ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher at the Legislative Assembly. Developed by the Prostate Cancer Support Group ACT Region, this website is designed to provide information to men and their loved ones about the groups’ activities. ‘We hope to convince men that they need to take an active role in managing their health,’ said Peter Daley, President of the Prostate Cancer Support Group ACT Region. ‘The site is designed to provide simple information on prostate cancer and useful links to other sources of reliable information along with an outline of our activities and upcoming events.’ The Minister thanked the group for their efforts, saying, ‘The services provided by the Prostate Cancer Support Group are extremely valuable.’ At the launch of the website, Support Group members issued the Minister with a challenge to host a barbecue for prostate cancer during September. On Friday 24 September, Katy Gallagher obliged
by hosting the multi-political party ‘Pollies’ BBQ for Prostate Cancer’ in Canberra. Supported by local media, the event was held at King O’Malley’s who donated the use of the venue, where nine members of the House of Assembly were on hand to cook and sell sausages kindly supplied by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union of Australia (CFMEU). Support Group members busied themselves handing out prostate cancer awareness information and speaking with the crowd. The Minister also took time to thank the Prostate Cancer Support Group ACT Region for helping to fund four nurses with their postgraduate study through La Trobe University. This further education has enhanced the nurses’ skills and knowledge specifically in prostate cancer care. At the end of the day, more than $600 was raised, a great deal of excellent media coverage was achieved for prostate cancer awareness, and many great relationships were established to help the Prostate Cancer Support Group ACT Region continue its good work. Well done to all involved!
Bunnings and support groups join forces Throughout September, Bunnings stores all over Australia combined forces with local Prostate Cancer Support Groups to host barbecues and raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer.
The monies raised at these events will be directed back into the local support groups, ensuring the community that raised the money will benefit from it.
From Bunbury to Ballarat, the Blue Mountains to Bundaberg... and beyond, Bunnings stores generously hosted barbecues, with some even offering a Father’s Day gift wrapping service to raise funds.
Bunnings is a valued supporter of PCFA, and we thank the staff and Prostate Cancer Support Group members for their outstanding efforts this year.
18 PROSTATE NEWS
Researchers honoured Earlier this year, PCFA invited nominations for the inaugural PCFA Prize for Outstanding Excellence in Prostate Cancer Research and the PCFA Young Investigator of the Year Award, honouring two generations of scientists in the prostate cancer research field. At the recent Advancing Quality of Life International Conference, Professor Pamela Russell AM was presented with the PCFA Outstanding Excellence in Prostate Cancer Research award. Professor Pamela Russell’s achievements in the field of cancer research in general, and prostate cancer in particular, are simply too many to mention. Her work in the field has generated six patents, one book, 19 book chapters; 168 peer reviewed papers, nine published full conference proceedings, 109 published abstracts, with nearly 3053 citations. Pam was an inaugural director of PCFA, and has served as a board member 1998-2000. She was made an Honorary Life Member in 2006. In 2003 Professor Russell was awarded AM for outstanding contributions to prostate and bladder cancer research. Of her award, Professor Russell said, ‘I was extremely honoured to receive the PCFA award for 2010 Researcher of the Year. There are several fantastic researchers in the prostate cancer field in Australia, performing innovative and novel programs of research, aimed both at understanding how prostate cancer develops and progresses, as well as the development of new intervention strategies. Each team has very talented young people who work intensely hard to achieve the results obtained.
in prostate cancer research at the Norris Cancer Center, University of Southern California, specifically in the application of next-generation technology and genomics. In 2007, Grant was one of the first recipients of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia Young Investigator funding. Grant has been invited to write numerous reviews on prostate cancer and has to date published more than 30 scientific papers in peer reviewed journals. He has successfully established and heads his own laboratory and research group, the Molecular Ageing Laboratory, at The University of Adelaide. Commenting on this award, Dr Buchanan said, “There are a lot of very talented young prostate cancer researchers funded by PCFA, so receiving the Young Investigator Award is an extraordinary honour. ‘Awards like this are very important, because it is often challenging for young scientists to receive appropriate recognition for their work. The Young Investigator award has provided my research program with international exposure, the chance to collaborate with some of Australia’s leading scientists, and more opportunities for funding. ‘This award and the support of PCFA have ensured the continuity and success of our prostate cancer research program.’
‘I had absolutely no idea that I was to receive the award, and in such an elite group, I am especially humbled to have been chosen. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful team members who have worked with me over time, and the current group at QUT, who have given me so much support.’ Dr Grant Buchanan was awarded PCFA Young Investigator of the Year. Dr Buchanan received his PhD from the University of Flinders in SA in 2002, followed by a Cancer Council of South Australia Research Fellowship and a Postdoctoral Traineeship Award from the US Department of Defense. He was subsequently awarded the prestigious NHMRC CJ Martin Biomedical Fellowship that allowed him further training
Award winners, Dr Grant Buchanan and Professor Pam Russell.
PROSTATE NEWS 19
PCFA UPCOMING EVENTS DEC 3
The Shave Your Fav Gala – Auction / Raffle - JOST 154 Restaurant Brisbane Basketball 4 A Cure (basketball carnival with games, BBQ, raffles, auction) Shoalhaven Basketball Stadium Cambewarra Road, Bomaderry BBQ at Bunning Store Hoxton Park Rd run by Titan Australia 8am – 4pm Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour – Mount Panorama Bathurst Ride the Range – a challenge bike ride event – 50 or 100km options – Toowoomba The 10th Ord Minnett Sydney Harbour Swim Classic
4-5 FEB MAR
12 4-6 27 13
QLD NSW NSW NSW QLD NSW
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS, PARTNERS AND SPONSORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS, PARTNERS AND SPONSORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS, PARTNERS AND SPONSORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT. MEN’S HEALTH PARTNER: MOVEMBER FOUNDATION
BLUE DIAMOND PARTNERS
SAPPHIRE PARTNERS
PLATINUM PARTNERS
GOLD PARTNERS
MEN’S HEALTH PARTNER: MOVEMBER FOUNDATION
BLUE DIAMOND PARTNERS
SAPPHIRE PARTNERS
PLATINUM PARTNERS
GOLD PARTNERS ABBOTT AUSTRALASIA ASTRA ZENECA ABBOTT AUSTRALASIA BRAMBLES ASTRA ZENECA BONDS BRAMBLES BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE BONDS EAT MEDIA BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE ELI LILLY EAT MEDIA SANOFI AVENTIS ELI LILLY SHELL SANOFI AVENTIS SHELL
SILVER PARTNERS
For
ANGOVE FAMILY WINE MAKERS • DAVINCI • FARMOZ • PRIME MEDIA • VOLLEY • WIN TELEVISION • CRUST • SIMSON GREETING CARDS • MYER
SILVER PARTNERS ANGOVE FAMILY WINE MAKERS • DAVINCI • FARMOZ • PRIME MEDIA • VOLLEY • WIN TELEVISION ALLENS ARTHUR ROBINSON • AMERCIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS • AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION • CHARITY GREETING CARDS • CRUST • SIMSON GREETING CARDS • MYER • FOSTER’S GROUP • GRAY-NICOLLS SPORTS • HARLEY DAVIDSON • HOYTS • NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION TOPAZ PARTNERS • PARAMOUNT • RSVP • SCARBOROUGH WINE CO. • WALKINSHAW ALLENS ARTHUR ROBINSON • AMERCIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS • AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION • CHARITY GREETING CARDS • FOSTER’S GROUP • GRAY-NICOLLS SPORTS • HARLEY DAVIDSON • HOYTS • NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION TOPAZ PARTNERS more information about prostate cancer and PCFA, call 1800 22 CO. 00 •99, or visit www.prostate.org.au • PARAMOUNT • RSVPplease • SCARBOROUGH WINE WALKINSHAW
✁ I want to help find a cure for prostate cancer. Please find enclosed my donation of $ Name: Address: Postcode: Phone: ( ) Email lease send me, in confidence, information on how I can help P the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia through my will. All donations $2 and over are tax deductible Please mail to: PCFA PO Box 1332, Lane Cove NSW 1595
Please make your Cheque Money order payable to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia OR Please debit my VISA MASTERCARD AMEX DINERS Card Number _ _ _ _
____
____
Expiry: _ _ / _ _ Signature
Thank you for your support.
____