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News & information
- Newsletters

Latest newsletter Sep-Oct 2011

Read the latest newsletter
of Nepean Blue Mountains
Prostate Cancer Support Group.

News

PSA TESTING click here for PCFA website
Sent: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 4:48 PM
Subject: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Good afternoon all
As many of you would already know, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force* recently released a draft recommendation statement that advises against PSA based testing for prostate cancer. The recommendation applies to men in the U.S. population that do not have symptoms that are highly suspicious for prostate cancer, regardless of age, race, or family history.

Note, the Task Force did not evaluate the use of the PSA test as part of a diagnostic strategy in men with symptoms that are highly suspicious for prostate cancer. The recommendation also does not consider the use of the PSA test for surveillance after diagnosis and/or treatment of prostate cancer.
It goes without saying that PCFA’s policy on testing remains unchanged. PCFA has been very actively involved in the media debate around the announcement. David Sandoe and I did an interview for Channel 9, and I have done interviews for Channel 7, 702 ABC Sydney and SMH. For further details, please take a look at the news item on PCFA’s website.
We are also working actively to bring about a national round table on PSA testing, involving the medical colleges, Cancer Councils and other stakeholders.
I will keep everyone informed of developments as they occur.
Best wishes
Anthony
DR ANTHONY LOWE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
T 02 9438 7085 F 02 9438 7099 Freecall 1800 22 00 99
Level 3, 39 Chandos Street, St Leonards NSW 2065

For Dr. Charles “Snuffy” Myers response Click here
For Dr. Charles “Snuffy” Myers response to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently released a draft recommendation statement that advises against PSA based testing for prostate cancer.

BBQ Bunnings North Penrith

A fund-raising barbecue was held at North Penrith Bunnings Warehouse on Saturday 21 August, many thanks to the volunteers that made it a success. It was also the start of September Prostate Cancer Awareness month, by talking to people and handing out awareness brochures. Above are some of the volunteers helping on the day.

BLOKES DAY

On Sunday, 5 June our group attended "Blokes Day" a focus on men's health and well-being was held at Hawkesbury Showground. The weather was fine. The 7 members of our Group assisted on the day a credit to our Group. We meet a large number of people from other stalls that can be of help to our Group in the future. The pamphlets and stickers supplied by the Hunter PCA were well received. As our stall was under cover, in the main pavilion we did not need to erect the marquee.

PCFA supports calls for national protocols on prostate cancer test.... click to read more

Dragon Boat Racing Darling Harbour

“On Sunday Oct 31 a group of our members and other PC survivors took part for the 3^rd time in the Dragons Abreast paddling at Darling Harbour.

It was a wonderful day and although we did not make the finals in our group, the competition was much tougher this year.

I want to congratulate and thank all our crew including the land crew and supporters who came to cheer us on.

We have had a very positive feedback from PCFA and others and we can now be assured of ongoing support from them.

There are big plans being hatched for 2011 which will broaden the scope of our presence so that we can not only all have a great day but put our message out to the public about PC awareness and or support group.

Again congratulations and thanks to all who took part.

As most of you know, on Oct 23, we also attended the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic again for the 9^th year, to assist with the scrutineering.

The feedback from the organizing committee has been glowing again and no doubt we will be invited back again next year.

So, thanks to all who came along and were part of this special and enjoyable day.

Our reputation has once again been enhanced beyond measure. Well done”

Thanks and have a great meeting

Cheers

Brett

Articals

Media Release 27 September 2011 - Monday, 3 October 2011

Urological Society recommends PSA testing in men

Mens Health - Monday, 9 November 2009

Men’s Health Article supplied by Alan Moran
Amended Quote (Americanisms changed):

• Every man, regardless of his age, has the right to know whether he is at risk from prostate cancer, a disease that still kills over 3,000 Australian men every year and many times that number around the world. We encourage all men to be proactive, and to seek out information and support in regard to their health.

• We shall continue to encourage every man to discuss his individual risk for prostate cancer with his doctors, and to request the appropriate use of PSA and DRE tests until better options are available. Further clinical action based on results of these tests is also a matter of serious discussion between each patient and his physicians.

• We call upon the Federal Government to emphasize the need for more research into early detection technologies and methods that will lead to better and more accurate diagnoses of prostate cancer.

• We call upon Government to increase funding for the Prostate Cancer Research Program through the Department of Health.

• We call upon the Commonwealth Dept. of Health to increase funding for prostate cancer research through the National Health & Medical Research Committee.

• We call upon the medical research community to place great emphasis on the development of new clinical tests that can differentiate between those men at greater need for aggressive prostate cancer treatment and those with indolent forms who can be well managed without invasive treatment.

Unquote:

The bottom line is that prostate cancer within Australia can no longer be described as ‘old man’s disease’ with more and more men being diagnosed in their early 40’s.