Regaining confidence by improving continence
This week during World Continence Week sat down with experts and survivors to talk about surgical and non-surgical treatments and options for rehabilitation and the recovery of bladder control.
While no two patients are the same, evidence suggests that up to 80% of men experience urine leakage after a prostatectomy. For some men it stops after a few weeks or months, while others may have problems on a longer-term basis.
Factors such as a man’s age, overall health, and any pre-existing conditions can impact recovery time, and symptoms can range from drips and light leakage to greater loss of control.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by prostate cancer and want to learn more about managing incontinence, this conversation is for you.
Thank you to PCFA’s Major Partner TENA for supporting this webinar for World Continence Week.
HOST
Matthew Britland
President, Medical Affairs Professionals of Australasia
Matt is the President of the Australian Pharmaceutical Medical and Scientific Professionals Association (APPA), the representative association for Medical Affairs Professionals of Australasia. He is an experienced medical affairs leader and Medical Director with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceuticals industry and clinical roles for over 20 years. Skilled in Pharmaceutical Medicine, Oncology and Haematology, Matt is a strong professional with a MMedSc focused in Pharmaceutical Medicine from UNSW Australia. He is currently undertaking a PhD on the role of Medical Affairs in the Quality use of Medicine (QUM) and its impact on patient outcomes.
PANELLISTS
Karen Newby
Clinical Development Manager, Essity
A registered nurse by training, Karen is the Clinical Development Manager for Essity, a global company dedicated to improving individual well-being and supporting our community through ownership of the TENA brand. Through her leadership of clinical development for TENA Australia, Karen has earned a reputation as a national leader. TENA is a worldwide leader in the development of continence products designed to improve outcomes for men with prostate cancer. Over the course of her career, Karen has advanced the introduction of new products that support men with managing incontinence in their everyday life, promoting greater confidence in coping with one of the major side-effects of treatment. She is well-known and respected for her commitment to patient care and high-quality customer protection and support.
Debra Ward
Clinical Nurse Manager, PCFA
Debra Ward has over twenty years of combined experience as a Continence Nurse Advisor, Urology Nurse Consultant and Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse in a variety of settings. During this time, she successfully completed a Promoting Continence certificate, the Latrobe University Prostate Nursing Care Course and the APCR Urological and Prostate Cancer Nursing Fellowship. Deb was awarded the ANZUNS Emerald award in 2020 and used this funding to undertake a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment Education (TAE 40116) in 2021. Prior to her role at PCFA, Debra worked in a private hospital as a Prostate and Urology Nurse Consultant for five years, followed by time at the Australian Prostate Centre developing interests in functional urology and uro-oncology, before transitioning to her present role leading PCFA’s Telenursing team.
Ian Read
Prostate cancer survivor
Ian was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 60 years of age. After a positive result to a biopsy, he underwent a radical prostatectomy in November 2020. After surgery, he struggled with bladder control and suffered a setback eight months post-surgery with an inguinal hernia in his right groin. Ian found that TENA pads provided with a level of reassurance which was necessary to enable him to continue working with people, without the worry of any leaking being visible. Post-surgery for his hernia, Ian saw a further loss of bladder control. Fortunately, through the application of support, and a regular physical exercise regime, including cycling, yoga and pelvic floor routines, his urinary issues are now under control and he’s passionate about helping other men going through what he did.
