But with a survival rate of 96 per cent over five years, the prognosis for those diagnosed with the disease is very good with the right care and support.
A new support group has been established in Corowa with the inaugural meeting held two weeks ago at Corowa Golf Club.
Organisers said a broad spectrum of the community attended including men who had been diagnosed with the disease, their partners and others with an interest.
Corowa Prostate Cancer Awareness Support Group was established by David Harrison and Leo Anic.
It’s a project that was three years in the making for Mr Harrison, who emphasised the purpose of the group was for support, not therapy.
“I’m sure there’s a feeling out there that we’re all going to sit around in circles and talk about our feelings, but that’s not what this is about,” he said.
“We want it to develop slowly by word of mouth so that people are coming here because they’re hearing from us that it’s a good thing to do, and it’s supportive.”
The inaugural meeting was very social with a beer and a meal before the official meeting started, a format Mr Harrison is keen to maintain.
“Turn up at six o’clock for a meal, a chat and a drink, and then at seven o’clock we’ll have five minutes or 10 minutes where we’ll address everyone.
“We don’t want a big formal time here … it’s a time to come and have a chat and talk about what’s going on.”
Bill Gerritsen and Neill Ottaway, from the Wangaratta Prostate Cancer Support Group, spoke during the evening, with Mr Gerritsen echoing the seriousness of prostate cancer and the need for support among men.
“It’s the highest form of cancer in Australia,” he said.
“One in six men get prostate cancer.
“If we went into the other room, there are enough people in there that we would be able to count how many either have, or are survivors of, prostate cancer.
“We are not professionals, we do not provide advice, we only speak of our own experiences and of course, whatever is said in that room stays there.
“That is very, very important, because it allows people to talk about their own experiences.”
The catchphrases throughout the night were ‘support’, ‘natural growth’, and above all, ‘community’, and Mr Harrison emphasised that support for women and partners was just as important.
“We also want to get the message out that it’s ok for men who don’t have prostate cancer to come along and be a part of this,” he said.
Guest speakers from medical professionals and past survivors have been organised to attend meetings later this year.
Meetings will continue on the fourth Wednesday of each month, at the Corowa Golf Club at 6pm.
At a glance
• Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australia.
• In 2024, there were 26,369 new cases diagnosed and 3,901 deaths.
• Australian men have a one-in-six chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer by age 85.
• There is a 96 per cent chance of surviving at least five years.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
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