Men with early (localised) stage prostate cancer will benefit from the newly launched Localised Prostate Cancer Pack, which aims to meet the needs of men who are looking for additional guidance and information following a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Men diagnosed with localised prostate cancer will have access to information that will help them understand the diagnosis, treatment, management of side effects and maintenance for wellbeing.
The patient pack is produced by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) with the generous support of Gandel Foundation. It is part of the organisation’s long term commitment to providing additional support and resources for men diagnosed with the disease.
The new resource has been launched off the back of prostate cancer awareness month (September) and new research[i], commissioned by PCFA, shows that while awareness of the disease is rising, younger men are confused about what testing methods are recommended and what specifically a prostate cancer diagnosis would mean to them.
According to PCFA’s Chief Executive, Dr Anthony Lowe, the pack will help to eliminate some of the stress and fear that comes with a prostate cancer diagnosis.
“A prostate cancer diagnosis naturally causes a lot of anxiety and many men are just looking for the right next steps. We have created this pack specifically for men with localised prostate cancer, who are often in the best position out of any of those diagnosed, to manage their treatment and life with the disease,” said Dr Lowe.
“The localised prostate cancer patient pack gives these men more, easily accessible information, at a time when there are often many unanswered questions,” said Dr Lowe.
Gandel Foundation CEO, Vedran Drakulic, added that such information is critical to ensure that affected men, as well as their loved ones, gain an understanding of the various aspects of the condition.
“Gandel Foundation Board decided to support this initiative as it can help provide comfort and guidance at a very critical point in time for those affected,” added Mr Drakulic.
The new localised patient pack is available through hospitals, regional support centres and local area prostate cancer support groups. It is provided in printed format, on a memory stick and is also available online at www.pcfa.org.au
[i] Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia 2013 Community Attitudes Survey.