SEPTEMBER is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and as the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, support from groups like the Ipswich Prostate Cancer Support Group to sufferers and their families is vital.
Prostate cancer accounts for 16% of all cancers diagnosed in Australia, with cases surging to 72 Australian men diagnosed every day.
Australia has one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the world, with one in every six Australian men diagnosed by age 85.
In 2022, there were an estimated 2400 men living with prostate cancer throughout Ipswich, and an additional 200 diagnosed each year, many of whom need ongoing care and support like that offered by the group.
The Ipswich Prostate Cancer Support Group began in 2004, with spokesman Dennis Ellis joining in 2014 after being diagnosed with the cancer himself.
He said the group travelled throughout Ipswich and the outer regions to spread awareness while offering support.
“I joined the group because I did know about the group and wanted someone to talk to about this cancer,” he said.
“After my first visit with the group and some one on one with some of the committee men, it did help me understand about what I would be going through. Awareness is key.”
In 2018, the group convenor was very ill, so Mr Ellis took over the post.
“They could not get a new convener to look after the group and I did not want to see it fold as the men in Ipswich and the country areas would not have anyone to talk to about prostate cancer,” Mr Ellis said.
“We hope to educate men and their families about this cancer and offer support. This is an insidious disease where symptoms do not necessarily become apparent until it has spread.”
The group travels to Canungra, Mount Tamborine, Boonah, Beaudesert, Roadvale, Kalbar, Rosewood and Fernvale.
“We also have four awareness days held at Bunnings West Ipswich,” Mr Ellis said.
Early detection is key, with more than 3900 Australian men expected to die from prostate cancer this year.
