PROSTATE SUPPORT: Tony Dennis got a lot of support from a fellow Vietnam veteran, but locally there was no support group to tap into.

Local identity is diagnosed with prostate cancer

Written by By PETER HUNT.

TONY Dennis of Jamieson recently had a sudden and lifechanging situation as a 62 year old - he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

A routine blood test in October led to a prostate removal in January.

"Like all men, I had little knowledge about the cancer and little desire to find out," Tony said.

"However, once you are diagnosed, you get that desire quickly."

It was not just himself, but also wife Judy who had to try and learn about the disease.

"We battled through this with no support or advice," Judy said.

"We are now pushing for a support group to be set up here in Mansfield."

The nearest support groups currently are in Albury/Wodonga and Shepparton.

"The country guys are sent home from their surgery in Melbourne and pretty well told ‘get on with it’," Judy said.

"I believe there are currently 11 newly diagnosed cases in our area, all of whom need support."

One line of support is a Prostate Cancer Patient kit available from pharmacies.

These kits are now available free from the Amcal Pharmacy.

Pharmacist Tania Beanland said the kit is a terrific resource and it would be great if a support group could be formed.

Judy’s aim is for a support group to be set up locally for awareness and information sharing/support for men being diagnosed.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation states, "experience shows the support and advice you can receive from men that have been in the same position as you, are undergoing treatment or have overcome prostate cancer altogether, can become a powerful tool to defeat cancer".

Local medical practitioner, Dr Will Twycross, said that prostate cancer cases have been constant in the area over the past 25 years, but that awareness is greater.

"A support group is a good thing, but its longevity depends on the organisation," he said.

"An information night is another possibility - anything that allows sufferers to get support."

Of course early detection is the real key to enabling better outcomes and potential cure of prostate cancer.

A digital rectal examination (DRE) or a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test provide an opportunity to determine the presence of prostate cancer.

These should be done:

l as part of a general check up - usually after 50 years of age;

l due to a recent experience with a relative who has suffered from prostate cancer;

l a family history of prostate cancer; and

l a recent onset of urinary symptoms.

If you are interested in being part of a prostate cancer support group call Judy or Tony Dennis on 5777 0545.