13 June 2022
It’s the most common cancer in ACT men, its causes are unknown, and often it strikes with no warning.
The disease is prostate cancer, but thanks to a funding grant from ACT Health, a new program is improving outcomes for the 3,300 men in the ACT who have been diagnosed with the disease.
The program, known as MatesCONNECT, is run by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and connects patients with survivors to improve understanding and provide peer support.
PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, said increasing numbers of men in the ACT were accessing support.
“With an ageing population, increasing numbers of men in our community are being diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and around 260 ACT men newly diagnosed every 12 months,” Ms Savage said.
“Over the past six months alone we’re had a 60 per cent increase in referrals to the MatesCONNECT program, with more patients wanting to talk to survivors who understand the clinical and psychological challenges of a prostate cancer diagnosis.
“Peer support is proven by evidence to be tremendously effective in helping patients during their treatment and in the days afterwards, because simply talking to another man who has a lived experience of prostate cancer can be a source of great strength and comfort.”
Around one in six Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by age 85.
“MatesCONNECT ensures men with prostate cancer get personal support from other men who understand what living with a diagnosis of prostate cancer is like,” Ms Savage said.
“Many patients have concerns about how their treatment will affect their work and family life, and what impacts they might expect as a result of ongoing therapies and any side-effects.”
This week is Men’s Health Week, with the ACT Government and PCFA highlighting the health challenges men with prostate cancer fact.
“About one in five men with prostate cancer will experience long-term anxiety and depression and men with prostate cancer also have a 70 per cent increased risk of suicide death compared to the general population,” Ms Savage said.
ACT MatesCONNECT volunteer and prostate cancer survivor David Newman said the program was a game-changer for many men.
“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016 at age 56. I felt very alone and wish that I had access to a service like this. It’s why I decided to volunteer,” Mr Newman said.
“I joined our local prostate cancer support group here in Canberra and found great support there, but sometimes it is nice to talk one-to-one in a more private setting, which is what MatesCONNECT brings to the table.
“I’ve loved the ability to give back and be part of a team supporting men. By getting support from medical specialists, local support groups and peers from MatesCONNECT, men have access to the range of support options that they need.”
With increasing demand for the service, PCFA is now calling for new volunteers to join the program.
“If you have a lived experience of prostate cancer and would like to help other men through this challenging journey, we would love to hear from you,” PCFA CEO Anne Savage said.
“Those who understand what it’s like to live through a diagnosis are well-placed to offer emotional and informational support to other men, and provide solidarity throughout survivorship, when many men face ongoing side-effects from their treatment.
“Volunteers are at the heart of our mission and empower more men to realise a better quality of life in the days, weeks, and years after their initial treatment.”
Men interested in volunteering can email matesconnect@pcfa.org.au for find out more.
MatesCONNECT is proudly supported by the ACT Government under the ACT Health Promotion Grants Program.
For more information about Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, or to speak with a MatesCONNECT volunteer, visit www.pcfa.org.au or call 1800 22 00 99.
ENDS
PCFA media contact
Laura McKoy | M. 0435 094 788 laura.mckoy@pcfa.org.au
