About Us
| The Geelong Prostate Support Group, formed in 2003, is based in Geelong, Victoria, and is run by a volunteer group of facilitators. We welcome anyone concerned with prostate issues, whether newly diagnosed, unclear about surveillance or primary treatment options, monitoring after primary or further treatment for advanced disease, or survivors wanting to give back to others. Our patient empowerment philosophy is based on the twin pillars of education and evidence-based medicine. We delve into the often-confusing range of diagnostics, surgeries, radiotherapies, and systemic medical treatments – including important ways of managing treatment side effects. We regularly welcome specialist doctors, nurses, pathologists, exercise physiologists and other allied health professionals to present to the group on emerging developments in their fields. This can be both face-to-face and by video presentations from interstate or overseas. | If you are unsure about coming along to a meeting and would like to talk to someone, you are very welcome to phone one of our members listed on the Contact page. If you are considering joining a support group and this location is not convenient for you, the PCFA has affiliated support groups in every state and territory for men and their families affected by prostate cancer. You can use the PCFA website to find a group near you. AffiliatesWe are affiliated with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and Cancer Council Victoria (CCV).
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Who We AreWe are a group of men and women from the Geelong region whose lives have been affected by prostate disease. Our members are often either dealing with a current diagnosis of cancer or are survivors of cancer. Our members have extensive combined patient experience and have undergone a wide range of diagnostics and treatments for prostate related disease. We are not a fund-raising group, although from time to time we do receive donations from local organisations and individuals. We are not qualified to provide medical advice, but discussion sometimes elicits specific questions that our members can follow up with their doctors. | What We DoWe promote awareness within the broader community of the benefits of investing in knowledge of male health issues, of risk factors, and of early detection in the case of prostate cancer. Finding out you have cancer can be very confronting. The people in our support group from all walks of life are here to share their experiences, and to listen, to empathise and to provide a sense of direction and hope. Our Group Purpose and Group Agreement Statement sets out the guidelines to be followed during our meetings and discussions, to ensure that member expectations are met. | How It WorksWe work cooperatively and in a relaxed and friendly environment to candidly share with, inform and assist anyone who has an interest in or concern about any aspect of prostate health. Friendly humour plays a vital role at our meetings. Partners are particularly welcome; they can play an important role in drawing out the short- and longer-term implications of prostate cancer for families and carers. At a typical monthly meeting we might have 30 to 40 men attending and another 5 to 10 partners of members. All people attending the meetings undertake to protect personal information shared by other participants. |