A small group of key people met at the end of 2006 to investigate the formation of a support group specifically for prostate cancer. This workshop developed our
operating principles which were adopted at the next public meeting.
Our Mission.. .
Our objectives...
to provide support, educational material and awareness in a confidential environment to men and their partners
to provide an opportunity to talk to others in the "same boat" and to share the common experience of cancer
to work with health professionals to provide medical advice and keynote speakers
At our 2008 review we did not alter these but replaced our initial strategies with "10 benefits offered by the MPCSG"
partners are welcome and encouraged to attend
learn that you are not alone
contact our facilitators anytime--do not wait for the next meeting
share diagnosis experiences
access to a wide range of treatment experiences from others
hear guest speakers on key subjects
learn about the latest developments in prostate cancer research and treatment
gain greater confidence in making your treatment decisions
no obligation to attend meetings regularly--come along as often as you wish
part of a strong nationwide network of support groups affiliated with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
We have been very fortunate in obtaining the support of highly credentialed guest speakers which has contributed to our community support and profile. Dr Tom Dunn (a local GP) a member of our inaugural planning
committee was also our first guest speaker. He developed his own PowerPoint presentation and 76 attended our first public meeting in Feb 2007 following good support from our local media. Dr Boon Kua a visiting oncologist has twice accepted our
invitation and gladly taken questions from the floor for over an hour. We have also been entertained by Dr Eric Donaldson pathologist- "deciding your Gleeson Score"; Jeff Milburn and Helen Stark who took us on a "virtual tour of S & N Pathology Lab";
Ros Male -continence nurse; Paul Kinbacher pharmist " Drugs for PC and complimentary medicines"; Michelle Tanwan-Sentinal Node Tracking Machine; Sharon Suter - government financial assistance plus several speakers from the Allied Health Cancer Care
Team including dietician Michelle and team leader Neil.
We have been able to suggest to members to access an excellent DVD from Dr Bernie Mason, Premion, on Radiotherapy as we have been unable to source speakers in this area. We also display an extensive array of
educational information each meeting.
In the local community we support Relay for Life with our PC team and conduct blueberry muffin drives to raise funds.
