continues on page 3

MA

R/A

PR 2

012

iss

ue

49

Jeff completed his PhD in 2003 at St Vincent’s Hospital Centre for Immunology in Sydney, before undertaking postdoctoral studies at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the USA. He returned to Australia in 2006, switching his focus from immunology to cancer research and received a fellowship from the Cancer Institute NSW. He has received funding from the NHMRC, Cancer Council NSW and PCFA.

Jeff has been a Movember Young Investigator since 2008. He is currently

Head of the Origins of Cancer group at the Centenary Institute and is studying the role of pumps that control the amount of nutrients taken into and out of cancer cells.

Jeff and his team have discovered that two of these nutrient pumps are increased in prostate cancer. Since these pumps are present on the outside of cells, they are excellent candidates for drug targeting. These drugs could be designed to inhibit the function of these pumps, ‘starving the cancer’ by restricting nutrient uptake.

This information allows Jeff and his team to target the pumps – and they have tried two routes. They found that they could disrupt the uptake of leucine, an essential amino acid that helps regulate blood sugar and energy levels, firstly by reducing the expression amount of the protein pumps, and secondly by introducing a drug that competes with leucine. Both approaches slowed cancer growth, in essence ‘starving’ the cancer cells.

Dr Qian Wang, a senior post-doctoral Fellow in Jeff ’s laboratory states that

When talking about his project Jeff describes prostate cancers as “hungry, growing cells”. Last November, Jeff and his team made a major discovery: how to cut off their food supply in order to slow down the growing rate of prostate cancer tumours. His research was published in a prestigious scientific journal, Cancer Research and was supported entirely by Movember through PCFA’s Research Program.

Dr Jeff Holst, Movember Young investigator 2008-2012

At the recent European Association of Urology Congress in Paris, Fritz Schröder and his team reported the latest results

from the European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC). This very large study of more than 162,000 men from eight European countries is investigating the effectiveness of the PSA, or blood test, at reducing deaths from prostate cancer.

The latest results, at 11 years of follow-up, reaffirm previous findings that PSA testing reduces deaths from prostate cancer by more than 20%. Importantly, the prostate cancer mortality difference between men who were tested and those who were not grows wider the longer the men were followed up after testing began.

Following the announcement, PCFA issued a media release calling for a review of PSA testing including the investigations and treatment that follow a positive test result. The goal of the review is to ensure that the benefits of testing are maximised and the potential harms of treatment, particularly incontinence and sexual dysfunction, are minimised.

We believe this goal will be achieved by preparing national guidelines for prostate cancer care based on a thorough review of the evidence available to guide practice. The review and guidelines would cover all aspects of care from a man’s initial decision about whether or not to have a PSA test through to advice and support to help men return to full health following treatment for prostate cancer. A nationally adopted set of guidelines would ensure that the medical profession gives clear and consistent advice about testing and treatment options to the Australian community.

In February our National Chairman, Graeme Johnson, decided to step down. I would like to record my personal thanks to Graeme for his sound counsel and leadership of PCFA over the past five years as Chairman and more than 10 years as a National Director. We wish Graeme all the best in his retirement. I am very pleased to announce that David Sandoe OAM has been elected National Chairman, with Jim Hughes AM elected as National Deputy Chairman. All of us at PCFA look forward to working with David and Jim in their new roles.

Dr Anthony Lowe, CEO

National Board

Chairman David Sandoe OAM

Deputy Chairman Jim Hughes AM

Finance Director Chris Hall

Research Professor John Mills (Chairman)

Awareness & education Dr David Malouf (Chairman) A/Prof Phillip Stricker (Education Sub-Committee Chairman)

support and Advocacy David Gregory (Chairman)

Marketing and sponsorship Steve Callister (Chairman)

Rotary John Palmer

state Chairmen Tony Sonneveld OAM (NSW/ACT) Des Grogan (VIC/TAS) Roz Baker (WA) Jim Hughes (QLD) Professor Villis Marshall AC (SA/NT)

Director

Graeme Johnson

Observer Peter Gebert

Message from the CeO

Graeme Johnson retired as Chairman of PCFA in February this year and announced his intention to step down from the National Board at 30 June. Graeme has provided PCFA with indefatigable leadership over the past 5 years and PCFA has greatly valued his expert contribution to our cause. Graeme’s participation on our National Board will be greatly missed.

The Deputy Chairman, David Sandoe OAM, was unanimously voted the new National Chairman of PCFA. In 1996, David was diagnosed with

prostate cancer and became involved with PCFA in 2000. Since this time, he has volunteered tirelessly in the cancer support and advocacy fields. Some areas of involvement include Chairman of Foundation Diane and Co-leader of Sydney Adventist Hospital Prostate Cancer Support Group, as well as various committee roles with Cancer Voices NSW and Cancer Voices Australia. PCFA welcomes David to the Chairman’s position.

PCFA would also like to announce that Jim Hughes AM, Chair of Queensland

State Board, has been elected as the new National Deputy Chairman. We look forward to working with David and Jim in their new roles.

Graeme Johnson retires from PCFA

David sandoe and

graeme Johnson

2 | pRostate neWs

A recent ABC – 7.30 Report broadcast on the emergence of robotic surgery promotes an interesting discussion on robotic vs open surgery. Reporter – Natasha Johnson

Removal of the prostate gland is an extremely difficult operation and carries significant risk of nerve damage which can cause incontinence and impotence.

Traditionally surgeons perform the operation by making a 10 to 15cm cut in the stomach, known as open surgery, but with robotic surgery, five small incisions are made into which a powerful telescope and instruments are inserted.

Phillip Stricker: The big advantage of robotics is that if you have to work in a tight space with fine instrumentation with good magnification, this observes it. I can zoom right in and actually have a look. It’s impossible to get that view with open surgery. You have what we call superphysiological movements of the hand and put stitches in impossible directions. Sometimes it’s better to actually zoom out to get the perspective.

Natasha Johnson 85% of prostatechtomies

Robotic vs open surgery: a discussion

continues on page 4

associate professor phillip

stricker operating with the

help of robotic surgery

by targeting different sets of pumps, the researchers were able to slow tumour growth in both the early and late stages of prostate cancer. In some of the experiments, they were able to slow tumour growth by as much as 50 per cent. Scientists hope that they could develop a treatment that slows the growth of the cancer so that it would not require surgical removal. Dr Wang hopes that trials conducted in animals will be successful and once this has been proven, clinical trials in humans can start, hopefully within the next five years.

In addition, the results of this work help Dr Holst and his peers to have a better understanding of the links

between prostate cancer and eating foods high in leucine. “Diets high in red meat and dairy are correlated with prostate cancer but still no one really understands why. We have already begun examining whether these pumps can explain the links between diet and prostate cancer.”

“given one in nine men in australia may develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, this discovery could touch thousands of lives.”

At PCFA, we are very proud to be supporting Jeff and his achievements. Research that has the potential to reduce the impact of prostate cancer on those who are diagnosed is a huge priority for PCFA’s grants program.

This project is funded by the Movember Foundation

Dr Jeff Holst, Movember Young investigator 2008-2012 (continued from cover)

pRostate neWs | 3

Robotic vs open surgery: a discussion (continued)

Associate Professor Phillip Stricker manipulates the robot during a prostate operation

in America are now performed this way and robotic surgery has attracted a lot of media attention here since its arrival in Australia 12 years ago.

Robert Frank Gardiner, Professor of Urology at Queensland University, is heading a world-first randomised control trial comparing robotic and open surgery at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

It’s one of three public and nine private Australian hospitals to install a robot. The da Vinci robot costs $3 million initially, then there’s $300,000 in annual servicing fees and about $4,000 per patient in disposable instruments.

Robert Frank Gardiner: It’s important to know with new technologies whether or not they justify the expense that’s involved, and whether or not they produce results as good as the established technique. With so much hype, it can fuel unreasonable expectations in patients.

Phillip Stricker: The hard evidence is that robotic surgery, as with all minimally invasive surgery, gives a quicker recovery, it gives lower blood loss, quicker return to normal activities. At the moment, one of the big problems is the health funds haven’t subsidised the cost of the disposables to any great extent, although that’s changing, and I think when that changes, there won’t from the patient’s point of view, there shouldn’t be a big cost differential at all.

Natasha Johnson: In public hospitals like Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, patients don’t pay but the machine was donated to the teaching hospital and is also being used to train young surgeons. Associate Professor

Declan Murphy is evaluating the extra costs against significant gains.

Declan Murphy: We typically kept patients in hospital for five to six days following this type of surgery, whereas now we get almost everybody home the next day.

So over the first 80 or 90 cases we’ve done here, we’ve already saved hundreds and hundreds of bed days freeing up this public bed resource for other patients who need interventions.

Natasha Johnson: The most controversial question though is what patients can expect on the three most important measures, the so called trifecta of cancer clearance, continence and potency.

In his late sixties when he had robotic surgery, John says he was extremely worried about the impact on his sex life and was told the robot was the only way to go.

He is now cancer free but impotent and has some ongoing continence problems. While accepting that he may well have had the same outcome with open surgery he feels the robot was oversold.

Paul Wilkinson on the other hand has had a good result from robotic surgery.

Paul Wilkinson: I recovered so quickly, it didn’t feel as if I had major surgery. Incontinence was never a factor from day one. And the potency was probably 90 per cent within a month.

Steve Ruthven: The world literature has not determined to any degree of satisfaction in the scientific level of evidence that robotic surgery is necessarily any better.

Natasha Johnson: Dr Steve Ruthven is President of the Urological Society and an experienced open surgeon.

Steve Ruthven: It’s not the tool, it is the skill and experience of the surgeons that really counts as to the outcome they can expect.

Natasha Johnson: After performing more than 3,500 open and 750 robotic operations and publishing results in academic journals and on his website, Associate Professor Stricker believes both techniques have their place.

Phillip Stricker: With my robotic cases I’m finding the early and intermediate risk cancers are doing better in my hands with robotic surgery, whilst the more advanced ones are doing better in my hands with open surgery.

Natasha Johnson: At the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Dr Murphy says he is getting equal cancer clearance and better continence and potency results with the robot, but that internationally there is more long-term data needed to give definitive answers and he warns patients to be aware of misleading claims on the Internet.

Declan Murphy: It’s very easy to find overstated claims for particularly potency and continence. We individualise the expectations for patients depending on our experience and what their pre-existing function is.

Natasha Johnson: That’s welcomed by the Urological Society which says patients should have confidence in both techniques in good hands.

Steve Ruthven: Their cancer is not going to wait until we have the scientific evidence, so therefore a competent surgeon; irrespective of the way they do it they should be totally reassured.

4 | pRostate neWs

Lisa Cheng joins PCFA as Head of Marketing & FundraisingLisa joins PCFA at an important time in the organisation’s development to head up the marketing and fundraising portfolios. Bringing a strategic focus to all of our marketing and fundraising efforts at a national level we aim to grow our income and build awareness and our brand presence in the marketplace.Lisa brings to this role extensive experience in fundraising and marketing spanning 20 years with formal qualifications in Communications –

Journalism, Media and Public Relations. Her experience has been with a variety of healthcare, environmental and humanitarian non-profit organisations in fundraising, marketing and management positions, including The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Children’s Cancer Institute Australia, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Clean Up Australia and Australian Red Cross.

Lisa joins PCFA after the last five years as Head of Fundraising at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead where she successfully grew their fundraising program from $17m to $30m over that period across a broad range of fundraising disciplines

including direct marketing, bequests, major gifts, events, corporate, merchandise, trusts and foundations and community based fundraising.

“I’m really excited at the opportunity to join PCFA at such an important time in the organisation’s development. And look forward to engaging with the State and National Boards, key stakeholders and supporters in developing our strategic plan for marketing and fundraising.”

On a personal level, Lisa has a three year old daughter Madeleine and enjoys spending her spare time with family.

eHealth records: consumer choice in medical information sharingIn July 2012 Australians can start registering for a personally controlled electronic health (eHealth) record.

This is the beginning stage to the development of a national eHealth records system. It provides health consumers with the opportunity to register for their eHealth record.

Your eHealth record is a summary of your health information and events, such as a stay in hospital, GP visit or details of medical tests. It will also contain important information such as any medication you may be taking or allergies you may have.

An eHealth record is expected to particularly benefit Australians living

with a wide range of medical conditions such as diabetes and prostate cancer. It is also useful for particular population groups such as seniors, new mothers, carers and those living in rural areas where there are situations of having to relay your medical details to a number of different health providers. Having an eHealth record will save you and members of your family from retelling your medical history to every new doctor or specialist and remembering every test, test result and medication detail.

Healthcare professionals will also have faster access to this information, giving them more time to treat their patients, and to make the best informed

decisions about their healthcare needs.

July 2012 is just a starting point for Australia’s eHealth system, which will grow as more individuals and healthcare organisations sign up. Healthcare organisations such as GP practices, hospitals and pharmacies, will be upgrading their systems over time to ensure they can better manage patients’ health information. Patient interest in an eHealth system is part of the early stage development of the project.

There are options in place for health consumers to retain some privacy over their information should they wish. For more information contact 1300 901 001 or view the information at www.yourhealth.gov.au.

pRostate neWs | 5

Awareness and educationThe newly created position within PCFA of Manager, Awareness and education represents an exciting phase for PCFA – a fresh approach towards developing and improving the prostate cancer message and support provided by the organisation.

Margaret Bennett has been appointed PCFA Manager, Awareness and Education, and brings a wealth of experience to the role through her previous roles in health service delivery, working with trauma survivors, and teaching positions in medical and allied health education. She will be putting in place new programs to ensure successful outcomes of the 2011 Cancer Australia funding initiatives provided to PCFA, and will be building strong new relationships with government providers, academics, health professionals and people living with prostate cancer.

Feedback reaching PCFA from many men, their partners and families has indicated that some prostate cancer information they obtain does not necessarily meet their unique situations, or that different sources provide conflicting advice – from such diverse sources as friends, health personnel, media and the internet. Margaret aims to change this situation by developing PCFA awareness programs that better assist people along the multiple

paths, choices and options that the prostate cancer journey can take.

Margaret says her key priority is to direct prostate cancer awareness and education to disparate groups in the community. This will translate to the development of evidence-based resources to meet the needs of advanced prostate cancer survivors, younger people with prostate cancer and friends and family members of men with prostate cancer. PCFA will also reach out to community sectors with specific language and service provision needs: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and men from the gay and transgender communities.

All these groups need to feel that information they receive about prostate cancer is relevant and inclusive of any specific issues they may have. PCFA awareness programs need to assist family members and friends in how to best support men with prostate cancer, while simultaneously caring for their own psychological health and wellbeing.

To assist in this, PCFA has recently established specific initiatives including membership with Pride in Diversity, the national workplace employment group that assists organisations to ensure gender inclusivity in their services.

Significantly, PCFA will also be revising and enhancing its Ambassador program, engaging relevant agencies in collaboration, and facilitating the development of training programs for and with service providers.

Beyond this we also need to build understanding that engages the entire Australian community to support the development of prostate cancer services that are easily accessible to all people – and ensure that these vital services are based on dignity and respect throughout the prostate cancer testing and treatment phases that patients have to navigate.

It’s a big challenge to embark on such well-planned developments through a new PCFA position – and it means PCFA is starting 2012 with an exciting agenda of change and progress.

Margaret has a background in social work as clinician and manager, has directed community health services, published

research, and provided medical and GP education. As Executive Director of STARTTS (Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors) Margaret developed a best practice model acknowledged internationally and in Australian Federal Parliament. She lectured at UNSW,

Faculty of Medicine and has been a guest lecturer at University of Sydney, Charles Sturt University, and University of Western Sydney in Social Work. Margaret joins us from Australian Federal Police where she has worked on national education and training projects related to missing persons, as well as conducting organisational culture reviews.

Margaret holds a Masters in Social Work, Graduate Diploma in Social Ecology, and has undertaken postgraduate training in health and human rights (Harvard University);

management; indigenous knowledges (Charles Darwin University) and undertook PhD studies in human rights at UNSW.

Margaret has worked as a consultant in multicultural health projects in Australia and in the evaluation of services to trauma survivors in East Timor, Indonesia, and Aceh (post Tsunami).

On a personal note, Margaret has four children who have now all left home and has trained in Hawaiian Massage and Bodywork as well as Creativity Counselling.

introducing Margaret Bennett Manager, Awareness & education

6 | pRostate neWs

The Australian Government through Cancer Australia has funded the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia over three years (2011–2014) to provide national, evidence-based information, resources and psychosocial support for men and their families affected by prostate cancer. It gives us great

pleasure to introduce the first of our new national team that have come to us through this generous funding. The Support Group and Outreach Program Coordinators will be focusing on four strategic areas:

• Supportinggroupleadersandassisting in the development and delivering the suite of training programs (developed under the funding agreement with Cancer Australia) to PCFA Affiliated Support Groups

• Presentingtrainthetrainermodulesto Chapter Councillors based on the newly developed suite of training programs

• Supportingandtrainingcommunityoutreach programs, such as Ambassadors liaising with Cancer Treatment Centres and other peak body charities

Thus far, we have three out of five Support Group and Outreach Program Coordinators in place. WA and Central Chapter positions are soon to come!

support Group Coordinators

EVAN KALLIPOLITISRaising awareness in men’s health has been a personal passion of mine for well over 10 years. I have worked for the last five years setting up a men’s shed. The Men’s Shed aims to promote the health and wellbeing of men aged 55 years and over. The Men’s Shed provides an opportunity for men with or without woodworking skills to share time together, swap yarns and work together on community projects. The social space made available to the men has helped reduce the incidents of social isolation and depression as well as having many other health benefits.

When I’m not raising awareness of men’s health I enjoy going to the gym and weight training or going for a run with my wife and leading a healthy lifestyle. I also love spending time with our border collie “Ebony” and enjoy travelling and road trips.

I look forward to meeting with you all and I am very excited to be part of the PCFA team.

LORRAINE HAGAMAN

I have been involved in working with people whose lives have been severely impacted by mental illness since 2000, holding a variety of positions coordinating mental health programs and leading multi-disciplinary teams.

Prior to 2000, I was engaged in public relations, media and fundraising for non-profit organisations where I was responsible for the development and implementation of several campaigns including Dental Health Week and Mental Health Week. It was during my time working in mental health that I decided to return to study and completed a Grad Dip in Social Science (Counselling) as part of a Master’s Degree.

My career highlights include having co-written a booklet about establishing support groups and I have also developed and delivered Communication Skills modules as part of a Cert IV in Mental Health (non-clinical).

I am very excited to think I am going to be part of a team working towards the best practice standards for group leaders and participants in an area of men’s health.

AMANDA POMERY

I am a registered psychologist with a variety of experience across government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors. My work has focused on upholding ethical and professional standards and I have delivered counselling support on key issues that impact on individuals including depression, anxiety, stress, relationships, grief and loss, mental health and wellbeing.

Through collaborating with management on organisational development, I have concentrated on solution-focused strategic planning in both proactive and reactive ways. This has involved delivering services and programs including management consultation, development and management of service projects, resource development and awareness with both leadership and staff.

I am excited to be joining PCFA as the Support Group and Outreach Coordinator for Victoria and Tasmania and look forward to contributing positively to the support of men affected by prostate cancer.

pRostate neWs | 7

A message from Wayne swan

Nearly 23 years ago, my father Morrie Swan passed away from prostate cancer at the age of 67. It was a terribly sad time – especially because he suffered a lot of pain.

I was 35 when he passed away, and like most men around that age, I got on with things and concentrated a lot on my career and starting a family.

I didn’t think much about my own vulnerabilities until some 12 years later, when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

I’m still alive today, and my children still have a dad, because I was diagnosed early by way of a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.

Even though I’d watched my father die a really painful death from prostate cancer, I never thought I’d get the disease myself.

I had no idea that if a first-degree relative – your father or brother – experiences prostate cancer, your chances of getting the disease increase from one-in-ten to one-in-three.

And I didn’t know what the symptoms were. I nearly paid the ultimate price for that ignorance – which is why it’s vital we do everything we can to

promote the importance of men getting tested for prostate cancer.

That’s why I’ll be heading along today to the Princess Alexandra Hospital to have a look at the great work that’s being done there.

For many Aussie blokes, our aversion to doctors and looking after our health is often matched only by our love of footy and a few beers.

But it doesn’t take much. The PSA test that I took allows men, particularly those with a family history of the cancer like myself, to get checked out and, importantly, find out early if they do have the cancer.

Sadly every year in Australia an average of over 3,000 men lose their lives to prostate cancer, which works out to something like one death every 3 hours of every day.

Tragic figures which, less than a week after Christmas, should be pause for thought for any father reading this to contemplate.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia have done a great job over the years promoting the PSA test and getting more Australian men tested.

Since establishing itself as a lifesaving method of early prostate cancer diagnosis in the 1990s, the PSA test has had its critics, usually a noisy minority at best.

Tragically, the vital importance of PSA testing has been undermined recently due largely to a widely criticised report released overseas this year.

PSA testing saved my life. So I have no doubt that we can’t let dads and granddads avoid a potentially life-saving PSA blood test because of this report.

When there is so much practical evidence of the lives saved by the PSA test in every community across Australia, it’s really worrying that all the progress over the last decade in educating Aussie blokes about getting themselves checked out could be at risk.

The message is simple: if you have a family history of prostate cancer or are over 50 years of age, speak to your doctor about getting tested for prostate cancer.

Make it a priority in 2012 – it’s a new year’s resolution that could save your life.

Wayne Swan Acting Prime Minister 29 December 2011

speaking at Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital late last year, Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne swan (then Acting Prime Minister) called for men to make it their New Year’s Resolution to be tested for prostate cancer. Here’s what he said:

8 | pRostate neWs

Tania Zaetta on Celebrity Apprentice

We are delighted to announce that Australian Bollywood star Tania Zaetta has nominated PCFA as her chosen charity for the second Australian season of Celebrity Apprentice.

Following the official announcement of the program’s celebrity line up, PCFA has commended Ms Zaetta on her efforts to raise awareness about prostate cancer and raise funds for PCFA.

Her personal experience with the disease – her father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011 – motivated her decision to support PCFA.

“Although my father is doing well following his prostate cancer diagnosis, there is no denying that it has had a huge impact on my family. I’m really excited to be part of Celebrity Apprentice as an ambassador for PCFA, and hope that my time on the program will have a positive effect on prostate cancer awareness in Australia,” said Ms Zaetta.

Dr Anthony Lowe, PCFA’s Chief Executive, says “PCFA is truly appreciative of Tania’s continued support and dedication towards our cause. We wish Tania all the best and have no doubt she will do a stellar job as an ambassador for PCFA.”

PCFA like ducks, but not out, at the PM Cricket XiOn February 3, 2012 PCFA proved that the team could take awareness to the fore – rain, hail or shine - on a day where there was a lot of rain and not much shine at Manuka Oval Canberra. Named as the official charity of the prestigious Prime Minister’s XI event, PCFA was pleased to make full use of the awareness opportunities. NSW/ACT State Manager Wendy Farrow with the ACT Support Group headed up by Peter Daley and a number of the hard working ACT Support Group members, manned the PCFA marquee

in pouring rain and unseasonably cold temperatures. PCFA was fortunate enough to be represented at the Prime Minister’s cocktail party at The Lodge. As well, lunch the following day at the oval was attended by the National Chairman Graeme Johnson, National Deputy Chairman David Sandoe OAM, and Dr Anthony Lowe CEO of PCFA. Despite the dismal weather PCFA was strongly represented and feedback from the somewhat diminished but enthusiastic crowd was positive.

the prime Minister, Mr tim Mathieson

and pcFa representatives

Pirtek National Fishing Challenge is the largest fishing competition in Australia and last year the event raised $80,000 to help men and their families affected by prostate cancer. PCFA encourages all our supporters to take part in this important event and register now at pirtekfishingchallenge.com.au.

The hit series is currently being filmed in Sydney and will air on the Nine Network later this year.

Tania Zaetta flies the flag for PCFA in new season of Celebrity Apprentice

pRostate neWs | 9

NSW

The Long Ride 2011 They once were warriors...

A dazzling night Table4Ten

10 | pRostate neWs

Undeniably the most successful NSW community fundraiser in 2011, The Long Ride 2011 raised a staggering $180,000 when motorcycle enthusiasts nationwide responded to the call from organisers Chris and Gail Dunne in raising funds and awareness for PCFA. From November 3, 2011 motorcyclists rode from their home towns across the country to Sydney where the event concluded eight days later in Darling Harbour. Not only was this a fantastic opportunity to spread the word of

The 4th annual Table4Ten fundraiser took place on November 8 in Sydney. The highly coveted tickets for this unique event gave access to a ‘table for ten’, donated by Australia’s top restaurants and venues, with sponsors providing alcohol, transport and goodies. Guests were then whisked away to the secret after-party location, revealed only at the end of each dining experience as being the Beresford Hotel. Funds raised by Table4Ten are a vital help to the families and men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

At Est PCFA guests included rock star Chrissie Amphlett and renowned international drummer Charlie Drayton.

PCFA’s mission to raise funds for research, awareness and support for those affected by prostate cancer, The Long Ride 2011 gave the rest of the nation a glimpse of life on the road and the boundless energy inspired by our cause.

For more information about 2012 Long Ride or to register your interest in joining the Long Ride™, contact Chris Dunne at christopher.dunne@bigpond.com.

state manager Wendy Farrow welcomes

the Long Ride to Darling Harbour

Once again the remarkable Cahill family have taken part in the daunting Warrior Dash which on February 12 this year saw hoards of the brave descend on Glenworth Valley for a wild and muddy race. While last year’s quota of mud seemed adequate – in 2012 it appeared to have doubled but luckily the Cahill family – dressed as Smurfs this year with viking helmets – pulled out their best efforts to rise above the slime. They again reached their fundraising targets and PCFA is thrilled to have these blue muddy heroes as our own.

L to R: alex Murray, Lisa cahill, Lucy cahill, Jessica cahill.

VIC

simon’s Ball

east Malvern Tennis Club

Bendigo’s Biggest ever Blokes Lunch

Simon’s Ball is a charity event held annually at the Albert Hall in Launceston.

The Ball is organised by Stuart and Julia Ralph in memory of Stuart’s father Simon who died from prostate cancer in 2008.

Over 400 people attended this year’s event. PCFA, along with the Cancer Council of Tasmania were the recipients of funds raised from the event.

Guest speaker AFL legend David Parkin spoke of his journey with prostate cancer and the need for men to take responsibility for their health and encouraged them to talk to their doctor. David has been, and continues to be, a great supporter of PCFA. He has enormous credibility and respect in the community and we are grateful for his support.

Keith Sutherland, event organiser of Bendigo’s Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch, presented a cheque for an incredible $50,000 to PCFA National Chairman Graeme Johnson and Vic/Tas State Manager David Rhodes – proceeds from the enormously successful Bendigo’s Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch.

In November last year, the sold-out event saw more than 400 men enjoy an afternoon of fun under a large marquee in Bendigo, with a serious underlying message to take care of their health.

Mr Sutherland said, “the aim in 2012 is to be bigger and better and I’m confident that the event will attract 500 men after receiving very positive feedback from sponsors and those who attended this year.”

The Bendigo Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch is one of many lunch events being held in regional communities, including Shepparton, Ballarat and Bairnsdale, with plans for more areas to come

on board in 2012. PCFA supporters in Hobart also have plans to develop the Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch initiative in 2012 with our partners in the Men’s Health project at Cancer Council Tasmania.

Ultimately the Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch event has the potential to appeal to a national audience. PCFA is working with founder of the events, Chris McPherson, to develop and promote the initiative across Australia.

The ladies of the East Malvern Tennis Club in Victoria raised $14,000 for PCFA in 2011…the old fashioned way! The funds raised were proceeds from cake stalls, a bowls night, lunches, donations, raffles and selling Bric-a-Brac etc.; an amazing result from tireless efforts by the ladies.

The ladies in the photo started the East Malvern Tennis Club cancer fundraising events and they have been raising funds for cancer for over 30 years!

The cheque was presented to PCFA at the ladies Christmas lunch at the Club in December last year.

simon’s Ball

pRostate neWs | 11

Ladies of the east Malvern tennis club

Southside Sport and Community Club have joined the fight to combat prostate cancer by helping break down the taboos and raising funds for PCFA.

“Prostate Cancer 2011” was their third annual Big Breakfast event and every year they get bigger and better.

In 2009 they decided to give it a go at the last minute and raised $5,000. In 2010 they were much more organised and raised $25,000. In 2011 however they raised a staggering $50,000 with 531 people attending.

On the day all staff, entertainers and speakers volunteered their services, raffle prizes were donated and even the food came free-of-charge from the Club’s suppliers.

As a result one hundred percent of funds raised were donated to PCFA.

Master of Ceremonies was international funny man and impressionist, Danny McMasters and the founding members of Wickety Wack provided the entertainment. Guest speaker was Dr Michael Gillman from the Health Institute for Men.

Michael, who probably should have been an comic or actor, has presented many times for PCFA. However he was at his irreverent, entertaining best on this morning and managed to approach the very serious subject matter of prostate cancer with a sense of humour.

Southside Sport and Community Club is a community based organisation, that first opened its doors in September 1997 and shares its premises with Queensland’s Premier Bingo venue – Southside Bingo.

It all started with Southside Bingo in 1995 when the club was originally formed and since then the club has grown to include 24,000 members and employ 130 staff at its three venues – Southside Sport and Community Club, the Mt. Gravatt Bowls Club and Southern Cross Sports Club – all located in Upper Mt. Gravatt.

The Club has committed to raising $70,000 and seating 700 people at its 2012 Big Breakfast on Saturday 24 November 2012.

southside sport and Community Club Big Breakfast

QLD

pcFa staff planning the event

southside sport and community club Big Breakfast

12 | pRostate neWs

WA

COsA ANZuP Conference

Chapter Council Conference

The Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) partnered with Australia and New Zealand Urological Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP) for their 38th Annual Scientific Meeting, held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in November 2011. Recognised as the peak multidisciplinary cancer conference in Australia, the 2011 program focused on urological and prostate cancers, welcoming a range of speakers including Urologists, Radiation Oncologists, Epidemiologists, Research Scientists and Allied Health professionals. The conference was attended by PCFA staff and board representatives including David Sandoe (current National Chairman) who was also one of the

national speakers, delivering an account of his own prostate cancer journey.

Delegates heard about advances in prostate cancer treatments, new discoveries in the field of genetics of prostate cancer and sexual and psychological consequences resulting from prostate cancer.

PCFA sponsored one of the international speakers Dr Isabelle White, who spoke on sexual consequences of prostate cancer and sexual recovery after urological cancer. Dr White has a dual professional background in cancer nursing and psychosexual therapy.

WA Office Launch

About forty five people joined us at the official launch of the WA PCFA office, for those who attended thank you so much for joining us. The office looked festive, decorated with balloons and candles and everyone had an enjoyable evening. In attendance from PCFA were Anthony Lowe, David Sandoe (current National Chairman) and wife Pam, and John Friedsam, plus a number of PCFA WA board members. Also attending were guests from Cancer Voices Australia, ANZUP, Cancer Council WA, WA Cancer & Palliative Care Network, Cancer Research team from UWA, Perth and Osborne Park Rotary, and other cancer support services.

The Western Australian Chapter of PCFA presented a Prostate Cancer Conference on the 19th November at the State Library, Perth Cultural Centre. There was an impressive line up of speakers including Dr Daryl Stephens (Diagnosis), Dr Nigel Spry, Dr Jessica Yin (Incontinence), Dr Stephen Adams (Erectile dysfunction), and Dr Siobhan Ng (Advanced prostate cancer). The conference was very well received with around 130 people attending. PCFA canvassed many requests from delegates to hold a similar event in 2012.

Cinnamon Club Dinner Dance2011 marked the 3rd year Mr Atul Garg organised a New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance with all proceeds going to PCFA. Once again the owner of Cinnamon Club Mr Sushil Kumar generously donated the venue for the event. Mr Garg held a very successful event and raised $2503 for PCFA.

WA Office Launch

pRostate neWs | 13

SA

Adelaide Beer and Beef Club

Boileau VeloAdelaide

FruChocs update

The Giant FruChocs promotion held in South Australia over November and December resulted in a generous donation from the confectioner Robern Menz. Awareness surrounding the prostate cancer cause and a call to action for testing was maximised with a $100,000 campaign on Channel 9 and Triple M with local media and sporting celebrities spreading the word and displays of especially blue packaged FruChocs in Coles, Woolworths, Foodlands, and IGA supermarkets, local cinemas, petrol stations and convenience stores.

Philip Sims, of Robern Menz said “Our company was thrilled to be involved in the promotion of such a marvellous cause; FruChocs are an iconic South Australian product and any message associated was going to carry great weight. Hopefully a whole lot of men were prompted to have their prostate tested, with positive results all around.”

Karyn Foster and SA PCFA Ambassador David Merry kicked off the New Year as guests of the Adelaide Beer and Beef Club at a marvellous lunch. Karyn was introduced to the club by board member (and CEO of the Adelaide Crows) Steven Trigg and the club has committed to donate all funds from their monthly lunch raffle to PCFA. David delivered an ambassadorial presentation to an interested and supportive crowd and Karyn thanked the audience on behalf of PCFA, SA and committed to assist with fundraising with the generous donation of silk ties from Henry Bucks, for every lunch.

Boileau VeloAdelaide is an exciting new one-day festival of cycling, the first of Bike SA’s mass-participation rides in 2012. Boileau VeloAdelaide is designed to take community cycling events to an exciting new level and PCFA is one of the beneficiaries!

Boileau VeloAdelaide is expected to attract over 7,000 people to ride their bikes and enjoy the festival event village atmosphere in Hindmarsh Square, right in the centre of Adelaide.

There are two ride formats for the day - a free Family Fun Ride and for the first time in SA, cyclists will have the opportunity to ride along 35km of closed Adelaide Hills roads on the Mt Lofty Challenge, including the South Eastern Freeway (which will be exclusively closed to allow bicycles for the event) from the toll gate, through the Heysen Tunnel to the Crafers turnoff.

For families and beginner riders, VeloAdelaide offers the Free Family Fun Ride, with a choice of 5km, 10km or 20km rides through the Parklands and along the river. The Family Fun Ride is the event which will support PCFA.

Christian Haag, CEO of Bicycle SA, says “VeloAdelaide offers the unique experience of riding on closed roads in the Adelaide Hills for experienced and beginner riders, while in the CBD, ride with friends and families in a safe and encouraging environment in the Family Fun Ride.”

“VeloAdelaide is a celebration of cycling, and no matter your age or cycling ability, there will be rides and activities for you to engage in and enjoy.”

As usual Karyn Foster will need all the help she can get on the day between 8am and 12 noon. Volunteers are asked to phone the office on 8231 6339 or email karynfoster@adam.com.au.

Karyn also urges the fellas and ladies from PCFA support groups to get behind the event, with teams or individually - www.bikesa.asn.au/BoileauVeloAdelaide or call 8168 9999 to register now!

The Adelaide Beer and Beef Club is a unique all male dining club. It has been in existence for 20 years, has around 200 members, is sponsored by Carlton United Brewers and supports venues all over Adelaide. The club motto is Good Beer - Good Food - Good Fellowship. Its members have enjoyed addresses from the likes of Alexander Downer, Martin Hamilton-Smith, Nick Xenophon, John Kosmina, Pat Conlon, Derryn Hinch, Clare Lindop, John Letts, Leon Macdonald and Wolf Blass. David Merry was certainly in good company!

14 | pRostate neWs

Living with a prostate condition?Independence Australia can help with providing information and support about continence products to PCFA clients.

T 1300 788 855 F 1300 788 811E customerservice@independenceaustralia.comwww.independenceaustralia.com

See our ‘Products for the Active Man’ brochure at www.independenceaustralia.com/health-solutions/products-services/download-catalogues/ If you require a hard copy please contact us T 1300 788 855 E customerservice@independenceaustralia.com

If you need advice on continence product choice and usage, please contact the Independence Australia Urology Continence Nurse Advisor on: 1300 788 855 or email askthenurse@independenceaustralia.com

This year almost 20,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer; many experiencing urinary incontinence, especially in the first few months post surgery.

Independence Australia, a leading national supplier of continence and health care products has a wide range of continence products available to help manage incontinence discretely and comfortably. There is a range of disposable and washable products, urinals and urinary drainage aids.

Independence Australia is a major national supplier to many customers and clients including in-home, community nursing, funding bodies as well as aged care facilities.

We carry the latest supplies recommended by your Health Care Professional at competitive prices and have fast home delivery all over Australia.

Easy ordering through our friendly customer service centre 1300 788 855 or online at www.independenceaustralia.com

Need Advice?ASK THE NURSE

Western Australia5-7 Eyre Street, Rivervale, WA 6103

New South Wales47B Princes Road West, Auburn, NSW 2144

Queensland15 Computer Rd, Yatala, QLD 4207

South Australia2A Jones Street, Nailsworth, SA 5083

Tasmania 225A Kennedy Drive, Cambridge, TAS 7170

Victoria35-37 Tinning Street, Brunswick, VIC 3056

A market leader in the prompt

home delivery of continence,

wound care, and health & well-

being products.

Products for the

Active Man

Addressing Depression and Anxietybeyondblue, the national depression and anxiety initiative, has released a new 60-page information booklet titled Depression and anxiety.

beyondblue Acting CEO Clare Shann said the free booklet aims to provide clear and comprehensive information about depression and anxiety, including what the conditions are; common symptoms and how to recognise them; how to get help for yourself or for someone you know; and how to stay well.

“Depression affects one in six australians and anxiety disorders affect one in four,”says Ms Shann

“This new booklet is not only informative, it encourages people to seek help if they think they might be experiencing depression or anxiety. Effective treatments are available and it’s important to know that with the right treatment, most people do recover.”

Many people have shared their personal experiences of depression and anxiety in the new booklet, with their comments, advice and words of encouragement used throughout.

To download or order the free booklet, visit www.beyondblue.org.au or call the beyondblue info line on 1300 22 4636. For information about depression and anxiety, available treatments and details about where to get help in your area, visit www.beyondblue.org.au, call 1300 22 4636 or email infoline@beyondblue.org.au.

pRostate neWs | 15

For more information about prostate cancer and PCFA, please call 1800 22 00 99, or visit pcfa.org.au

✁

16 PROSTATE NEWS

Iwanttohelpfindacureforprostatecancer.Please make your

Cheque Money order

payable to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia OR

Please debit my

VISA MASTERCARD AMEX

Card Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Expiry: _ _ / _ _

Signature

Thank you for your supportOr donate online at pcfa.org.au

Please find enclosed my donation of $

Name:

Address:

Postcode: Phone: ( ) Email

Please send me, in confidence, information on how I can help Prostate

Cancer Foundation of Australia through my will.

I have already included Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia in my will.

All donations $2 and over are tax deductible

Please mail to: PCFA PO Box 1332, Lane Cove NSW 1595

PCFA calls for development of national guidelines on prostate cancer care following latest european study resultsProstate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) welcomes new evidence of reduced prostate cancer deaths in men screened for prostate cancer and calls for a full review of evidence and development of guidelines for prostate cancer care in Australia.

On 29th February in Paris the European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) released the analysis of 11 years of follow up; two years more than previously. The ERSPC, which commenced in the 1990s and involves around 162,000 men from eight countries, reported a 21% fall in prostate cancer deaths in men screened using the PSA test. Importantly, the prostate cancer mortality difference between men who were tested and men who weren’t became wider the longer they were followed up after testing began.

“These results add weight to previous results that showed a fall in prostate cancer mortality in men tested for prostate cancer,” says the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand’s spokesperson on prostate cancer, Associate Professor Mark Frydenberg. “Around 20,000 Australian men are

diagnosed with, and 3,300 men die from prostate cancer every year.”

“Currently men and their treating GPs receive differing opinions about the value of the PSA testing,” says Associate Professor Frydenberg. “Many doctors, including prostate cancer specialists are also concerned about the extent of treatment for prostate cancer and the side effects that can follow it. It would be timely to take stock now, with this new evidence, bring all relevant information together, and decide how our community can best control prostate cancer.”

PCFA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Anthony Lowe, says “It is time to end the confusion around PSA testing. We are committed to encouraging and supporting a full evidence review and development of national guidelines for prostate cancer care that extend from men’s decision making about testing through to care and support for men grappling with post-treatment side effects.” Dr Lowe went on to say: “We will be talking to other health and health consumer groups about joining with us to examine the evidence and to reach consensus on evidence-based guidelines that will enable best practice and help clarify the position for Australian men.”

Professor Bruce Armstrong of The University of Sydney’s School of Public Health says: “This is exactly the action needed. The goal should be to ensure that the likely benefits of screening are maximised and the known associated harms are minimised.”

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian men.

Tragically almost 20,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 3,300 men will die of the disease.

“the latest results reaffirm previous findings that psa testing reduces deaths from prostate cancer by more than 20%” Dr Anthony Lowe, PCFA CEO