04 December 2024
A new prostate cancer support group in North Brisbane aims to bring together men and women impacted by the disease and provide a vital boost to local support services available.
In North Brisbane alone, around 1,900 men are living with prostate cancer, with the disease making up 26 per cent of all cancers diagnosed among men.
An additional 167 men are diagnosed in the region each year, highlighting the need for more support services locally.
The new group, supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, will be led by Brisbane local Justin Coomber, 58, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2022.
Mr Coomber said he opted for a yearly PSA test after he turned 40 after his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was a move that saved his life.
In North Brisbane, only 20 per cent of prostate cancers are diagnosed at stage one when the disease is easiest to treat.
“I had no symptoms at all. Nothing was giving me any warning signs. My PSA level started moving upwards, and within about 18 months, it went up and up. The GP referred me to a urologist, and I was diagnosed in March 2022,” he said.
“I had a family history of prostate cancer, so I was getting blood tests every year to keep an eye on that. Early detection is key.”
Mr Coomber underwent a prostatectomy in June 2022.
“The operation went well. But what comes after the surgery is really unpleasant and can be confronting,” he added.
In North Brisbane, the risk of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer is 5 per cent higher than the national average, with the risk of dying 12 per cent higher than the national average.
Now on the road to recovery, Mr Coomber said more needs to be done to support those diagnosed. After his own diagnosis, he said reaching out to a mutual friend who had been diagnosed played a huge role in supporting his mental health.
“I had great support from my family and friends, but chatting to someone who had gone through it and understood it was really helpful. It really put my mind at ease just before my surgery,” he said.
“It’s why I wanted to start a group. I found talking to someone about it really helpful.”
Mr Coomber said attendees could share as much or as little as they wanted about their lived experiences with prostate cancer.
The new Prostate Cancer Support Group will host two regular groups to suit all locals impacted by the disease.
A formal information session is held at Everton Park Library every second month.
“This provides an opportunity to connect in a quiet place and discuss any issues you might want to share – it will be a safe space for everyone involved,” Justin added.
In addition, social meetings will be held at The Brook Hotel at Mitchelton, beside Brookside Shopping Centre, every month.
“Our monthly social meetings provide a space to discuss issues more informally over a bite to eat and a drink, which appeals to some people,” Justin said.
“Prostate cancer is tough, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
The North Brisbane PCSG will he held at Everton Park Library every second month and you can contact Justin Coomber at brisbanepcsg@gmail.com or to find a local support group near you, call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.prostate.org.au.
