The Ipswich Prostate Cancer
Support Group was initiated by 4 survivors who considered that such
a valuable support service in our community was a necessity.
Planning was assisted by Bob Massey (Coordinator of Men’s Interests,
Ipswich 60 & Better Program), with the enthusiastic participation of
the two local practising Urologists, Dr HS Teng and Dr Wes Hii, and
with very good support from the local media.
Our first formal meeting was
held on the 15th April 2004 in the Humanities Building, kindly made
available by the Ipswich City Council as a Community Service, and
was facilitated by the Ipswich 60 & Better Program. Newly diagnosed
men and their partners are referred to our Group by the local
Urologists before treatment decisions are made. Peer support and
informal discussions may help them deal with the diagnosis and
hopefully help them make the right choice for their treatment.
We offer a friendly place of
support for Prostate Cancer sufferers and their partners where they
can find the information they need and gain strength and comfort
knowing they are not alone. We have identified the main areas where
we can be active in meeting our PCFA commitments, visits and
awareness evenings to rural towns take our support to men, their
families and friends and others affected by prostate cancer,
including those in recovery/remission. We hope this participation
will lift personal and community confidence that this disease, along
with other cancers, can be treated, and that no one is confined to
suffer in isolation.
