07 September 2022

Prostate cancer is now the leading cause of cancer in Australia, but thanks to a funding grant from ACT Health, men diagnosed with the disease don’t have to go through it alone.

This September for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is highlighting the benefits of peer support and encouraging men to reach out for a chat.

The Foundation run a program called MatesCONNECT, funded by an ACT Government Health Promotion Grant, which connects patients with survivors for peer support and to improve understanding of the disease.

PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, said MatesCONNECT is all about connecting men with others who have walked the same road before them.   

“The reality is, 1 in 5 men are diagnosed with this disease in their lifetime – with over 3,300 men currently living with prostate cancer in the ACT,” Ms Savage said.

“Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a great reminder for all men to talk about prostate cancer and the challenges they may be facing. We know that the need is growing, and we’re here to meet that need.

“Over the past six months alone we’ve had a 60 per cent increase in referrals to the MatesCONNECT program, with more patients wanting to talk to survivors who understand the clinical and psychological challenges of a prostate cancer diagnosis. 

“Peer support is proven by evidence to be tremendously effective in helping patients during their treatment and in the days afterwards, because simply talking to another man who has a lived experience of prostate cancer can be a source of great strength and comfort.”

ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the MatesCONNECT peer support model helps reduce the mental health risks – such as depression and anxiety – associated with cancer diagnosis and survival.

“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the ACT, and the number of men in the Territory with prostate cancer is likely to increase as our population increases and the proportion of older men in the population grows,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“Ageing is one of the greatest risk factors for prostate cancer, so men over the age of 50, or those with a family history of prostate cancer, should talk to their doctor about prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer as part of their regular health check-ups.”

Around one in five Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by age 85.

In addition, around one in five men with prostate cancer will experience long-term anxiety and depression as a result of their diagnosis. 

“MatesCONNECT ensures men with prostate cancer get personal support from other men who understand what living with a diagnosis of prostate cancer is like,” Ms Savage said.

“Many patients have concerns about how their treatment will affect their work and family life, and what impacts they might expect as a result of ongoing therapies and any side-effects.”

ACT MatesCONNECT volunteer and prostate cancer survivor David Newman said the program was a game-changer for many men.

“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016 at age 56. I felt very alone and wish that I had access to a service like this. It’s why I decided to volunteer,” Mr Newman said.

“I joined our local prostate cancer support group here in Canberra and found great support there, but sometimes it is nice to talk one-to-one in a more private setting, which is what MatesCONNECT brings to the table.

“I’ve loved the ability to give back and be part of a team supporting men. By getting support from medical specialists, local support groups and peers from MatesCONNECT, men have access to the range of support options that they need.”

With increasing demand for the service, PCFA is now calling for new volunteers to join the program.

“If you have a lived experience of prostate cancer and would like to help other men through this challenging journey, we would love to hear from you,” PCFA CEO Anne Savage said.

“Those who understand what it’s like to live through a diagnosis are well-placed to offer emotional and informational support to other men, and provide solidarity throughout survivorship, when many men face ongoing side-effects from their treatment.

“Volunteers are at the heart of our mission and empower more men to realise a better quality of life in the days, weeks, and years after their initial treatment.”

Men interested in volunteering can email matesconnect@pcfa.org.au for find out more.

MatesCONNECT is proudly supported by the ACT Government under the ACT Health Promotion Grants Program.

For more information about Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, or to speak with a MatesCONNECT volunteer, visit www.pcfa.org.au or call 1800 22 00 99.

ENDS

PCFA media contact
Laura McKoy | M. 0435 094 788 laura.mckoy@pcfa.org.au