17 February 2022
Men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the Baw Baw region now have a group they can turn to for information and support to help them through a diagnosis.
The Baw Baw Prostate Cancer Support Group will kick off on March 9, and will continue to meet on the second Wednesday of every month at the Warragul Sporting Social Club at 2pm.
The group, supported by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), was launched by prostate cancer survivor and advocate, Linton Blackwell, and his wife Pam.
Mr Blackwell was involved in leading a support group in Bairnsdale for many years, before relocating to Moe.
“There is a real need in this area - we discovered there was no group between the Latrobe Valley group and the Dandenong group, so this was a no brainer,” he said.
“Prostate cancer impacts one in six men in their lifetime so we know there are many men in the area who could benefit from the support of others who understand what they’re going through.”
The Baw Baw Support Group is also open to partners of men impacted by prostate cancer.
“We think it’s extremely important to engage both men and their partners on their journey, and encourage them to open up and talk about their journey and fears,” Mr Blackwell said.
“As a 10-year survivor, I can show them there is hope beyond a diagnosis, and Pam can talk to partners and reassure them about what they’re also experiencing.”
The Baw Baw support group is now one of 130 groups across the country supported by PCFA. Locals interested in joining can get in touch with Mr Blackwell on 0419 582 665.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO Anne Savage said peer support played an important role in improving mental health and wellbeing.
“Some men with prostate cancer experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, and struggle to cope with the challenges of diagnosis and treatment,” Ms Savage said.
“Having a support network of people around them can make a tangible difference to their wellbeing and be a source of strength when they need it most.”
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men, with over 18,000 men diagnosed each year.
“In the Gippsland region alone, around 2,680 men are living after a diagnosis of prostate cancer, with an additional 250 men newly diagnosed each year,” Ms Savage said.
“Men living in regional and rural areas of Australia face significant disparities, with men more likely to be diagnosed at a late stage. In addition, those living regionally face a 24 per cent higher risk of death.
“Alarmingly, Gippsland has the third highest death rate of any region in Victoria, whereby one in every 10 men diagnosed will die from the disease within five years.
“Having local volunteers on the ground providing support and bringing awareness to the disease, like Linton and Pam, will help save lives.”
To find out more about PCFA’s services and support options, call 1800 22 00 99 or visit pcfa.org.au.
ENDS
Media contact:
Laura McKoy | M. 0435 094 788
