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Support groups for men with prostate cancer are a chance for these men to share their experiences and knowledge and get their questions answered – as well as meeting others.
Until recently, the closest support group for Coast men living with prostate cancer was in Sunnynook.
Cancer survivor, and part time employee at the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Gaynor Larsen, made it her mission to fix that.
Around 18 months ago, the Manly resident set up a support group in Ōrewa, which she facilitates.
Gaynor says her own experience as a bowel cancer survivor means she has walked a similar path to those with a prostate cancer diagnosis.
In particular, she is focused on the importance of early detection.
“I did one of those bowel screening tests that they send you in the mail,” she says. “I had no symptoms and no idea that I had bowel cancer. If I hadn’t done that test, I’d be dead now. As with many cancers, including prostate cancer, early detection saves lives.
“Often men discover they have this disease when they have symptoms or are having a test for something else. So many men have said they had no idea they had it. If it’s in the family, men should get an annual PSA blood test from the age of 40 – with no family history, from 50 years. It’s so important to do that, and not put your head in the sand and think it will be all right.”
Currently there are 35 men on the books of the local support group and about half of those attend the regular monthly meetings. Some bring along their partners too.
Gaynor says participants range in age from 60-80 years. Some were diagnosed 15 years ago, others more recently.
“There are many different treatments and issues, and each person is unique. The men bring their questions, and although they can be a bit shy initially, they open up when they find they are in supportive and understanding company. Topics like incontinence and erectile disfunction, the hot flushes you get with hormone treatment are all aired and advice shared.
Gaynor also has information, such as brochures, on hand and can provide contacts for specific issues.
She says now that the group has a strong core, she is hoping one of them will take over her role as facilitator.
“I enjoy doing it, but it would be best led by a man,” she says.
The Prostate Cancer support group meets monthly in Ōrewa at the Presbyterian Church in Centreway Road. Info: contact the Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ, https://www.prostate.org.nz or phone Gaynor, 027 274 2435.
There is also a free exercise class in Whangaparāoa specifically designed for men with prostate cancer, called Prost-Fit. Gaynor says this improves both mental and physical health and is like another support group. Info: www.prostate.org.nz/prostfit or contact Lis MacLeod, 021 134 1527.
Something blue: Next month is Blue September – the annual fundraiser for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. A wide range of blue-related activities take place, raising awareness as well as money. This year’s slogan is Do Something Blue to help a Mate Through. This year, Blue September hopes to raise in excess of $1 million, which goes toward providing wrap-around support services. Info: blueseptember.org.nzblueseptember.org.nz • One in every eight men will get prostate cancer. • A total of 4000 Kiwi men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year and 700 die from it. • Early detection, via regular PSA blood tests, is key.
