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PROSTATE
SUPPORTER
The newsletter of the Prostate Cancer Support
and Action Groups of South Australia
March 2008 http://www.pcagsa.org.au in brief...
National conference
The first Tool Box
session for the RAH
men’s health initiaitve is
on Wednesday, March
outlines 2008 plans
12, in the RAH Robson
Lecture Theatre, noon
to 12.45pm. Cynthia
Edwards from The
T HE PCFA Support and
Advocacy Annual Con-
ference in Sydney on Febru-
Cancer Council and
Kathy Pietris from the
ary 20 and 21 was attended by National Bowel Cancer
Ian Fisk and Dean Wall from Screening Program will
South Australia. talk about Men & Bowel
Cancer. All are welcome;
The official minutes are not please RSVP by phoning
yet available, though agenda 8222 5193.
items included a review of the
SAC task list, CEO report by Reg Mayes has been
Andrew Giles, a report on the home under the care
2008 Ambassador Program by of Amy since Feb 6.
Jo Fairbairn, introducing new Pictured at the national conference: Paul Redman (PCFA He is still very alert and
PCFFA managers Paul Red- Support Group Services Manager), Ian Fisk (SA), John Allen cheeky, is walking with
man (Support Group Services (NSW), Max Shub (Vic), Karen Rendell (WA), Daryl Hyland the aid of a stick, but
Manager) and Anne Gilhooly (Qld), Dr Jim Clough (ACT), Dean Wall (SA), Bill McHugh has lost considerable
(Communications Manager), (Qld and Chairman of SAC) and Lionel Foote (Qld). weight. A report on
planning for SAC activities Fact Sheet Draft #2 explained but eventually all groups in www.psaadelaide.org is
in 2008, and a presentation on by Paul Redman (who spent Australia will be added. updated occasionally.
trials by Dr Cleola Anderiesz, many years in the insurance Contributions to these
Reports were presented on
National Manager, Research, business); outlining the role of newsletters from all
the Prostate Cancer Support
Cancer Australia. State Chapters; and a website Support Groups and
Handbook and the DVD librar-
Bill McHugh was re-elected demonstration of www.pcfa. ies, which are both progressing members are welcomed;
as chairman of the SAC. org.au. At present information well. More outcomes from the send items and images
Other topics of interest were
has only been added for the conference will be published by email to prostate-
a Support Group Insurance
Queensland support groups, in coming newsletters. news@fosterhill.com.au
New McLaren Vale support group commences
T HE McLaren Districts
Prostate Cancer Support
Group held its inaugural meet-
Lovell and Carol Pinnock from
the Repat Hospital. They were
followed by Kathriye Strass-
unit at RAH, and Anne Col-
lins, who told the group of her
story from the perspective of
ing at 7pm in the hospital ad-
ministration building. Local
GP Dr Graham Lovell will
ing on September 6, 2007, in nick from Cancer Council SA the partner of a sufferer. deliver a presentation on diet,
the administration building at and Jeff Roberts, who spoke At the previous group meet- exercise and the importance of
the McLaren Vale & Districts about prostate cancer support ing, Dr Denby Steel, Urologist regular check ups.
War Memorial Hospital. groups in general. was the guest speaker. Anybody wishing further de-
Speakers on the first night Since then the group has been The next McLaren Districts tails about this group should
were Brent Frewen from Pros- addressed by Dr Raghu Gow- Group meeting is scheduled contact Bryan Hearn by phon-
tateSA, local GP Dr Graham da from the Brachytherapy for Thursday March 20, start- ing 8323 7924.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia freecall hotline is 1800 22 00 99
or visit the website www.prostate.org.au
Page 2 http://www.pcagsa.org.au
Prostate Cancer Action Group
COMING Awareness meetings
EVENTS
AWARENESS
MEETING
enjoy further success
The next Awareness The Prostate Cancer Action Group has started the new
Meeting will be held year with heartening respose to its continuing program
in the RSL Hall,
Apex Park, Stirling of awareness meetings, as Trevor Hunt reports.
on April 23. Meeting
details have not yet
been confirmed,
T HE most recent prostate
cancer awareness meet-
ing, held at Mt Barker, on
This was the fourth such
awareness meeting conducted
in the Adelaide Hills area, all
foreshore on Sunday, March
16. As with previous years,
the Action Group will present
though the hall is
November 22 last year, was of which have been sponsored an information stall stocked
not available until
an encouraging success for and promoted by the Freema- with an extensive array of
7.30pm. Therefore
the Prostate Cancer Action sons Lodges in the Hills. pamphlets and booklets bear-
the meeting will have
Group. These four meetings have at- ing information about prostate
to commence from
An audience of 79 people at- tracted a total audience of over cancer.
about 7.30pm, which
is a little later than tended, coming from a wide 300 people, and the involve- The Action Group has been
usual. variety of areas throughout ment of the Freemasons is represented at every MAN
the Adelaide Hills, and cov- very much appreciated by the ALIVE! event, and has no-
MARCH MEETING ered age groups from 40 to 79 Action Group. ticed the increased interest in
The next Prostate years. The series will continue with our stall.
Cancer Action Group From this audience, 31 eval- an April Awareness Meeting This year, we will be part of a
meeting will be held uation forms were returned, in Stirling; see the Coming new innovation for this event,
in the upstairs meet- and of these, only eight men Events column at left for full the Man Alive! Trail – a par-
ing room, Cancer had been diagnosed with pros- details. ticipatory activity that requires
Council SA building, tate cancer. people to have a free raffle
202 Greenhill Road, entry form stamped by every
It was heartening to know SPEAKING
Eastwood, at 5.30pm Community Agency/Group
that the meeting had success- ENGAGEMENTS
on Tuesday March stall on the Trail. It is expected
fully attracted so many inter-
11. Enter via the back TWO members of the Action that our stall will be quite busy
ested people who have little
stairs. New members Group involved in the Ambas- because of our inclusion in
awareness or knowledge of
are most welcome. sadorʼs programme have re- this activity.
the disease.
cently been involved in more The Man Alive! event will be
Most respondents rated the speaking engagements – and
For more information hosted by Channel 7ʼs Graeme
meeting as “very” or “some- would like further opportuni-
about the Action Goodings, and its purpose
what helpful”, and most ties to spead the word.
Group and its is to promote menʼs health
thought the information pro-
activities, visit the If you know of any group or and well-being, and celebrate
vided by our speakers was ex-
South Australian organisation that is looking for menʼs contribution to our com-
cellent, or good.
Prostate Cancer guest speakers on the topic of munity. Other services avail-
Action Group’s Most comments were com- prostate cancer, please let Ian able to men at the public event
dedicated website at plimentary; we noted only Fisk or Dean Wall know, as include a Free Health Check at
http://www.pcagsa. two adverse comments about theyʼd be happy to contribue one stall.
org.au the length of the meeting. One their services.
comment noted that it was the In addition to the wide range
The site has detailed
women present in the audience of health services and com-
archives of its
that asked the questions! MAN ALIVE! munity groups, the event has
newsletters, containing
a great, quality entertainment
many informative It was notable that a health The Action Groupʼs next programme, including Afri-
articles and published professional in the audience major effort will be to run a can drummers, popular Celtic
research findings commented that the meeting stall at the increasingly popu- rock band The Borderers, and
about prostate cancer had improved his knowledge lar menʼs health event, MAN other fun activities. Admission
and its treatment. of prostate cancer. ALIVE!, at the Semaphore is free.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia freecall hotline is 1800 22 00 99
or visit the website www.prostate.org.au
http://www.pcagsa.org.au Page 3
Prostate Cancer Support and Awareness: ADELAIDE GROUP
COMING EVENTS
FOR 2008
A fresh opportunity
The Adelaide Group
usually meets on the
third Monday of each
for us to be inspired
month, in the Park The Adelaide Group’s first meeting for 2008 featured guest
View Room of the speaker Derrick McManus, who detailed his fight for survival.
Fullarton Park Centre,
411 Fullarton Rd,
Fullarton. D errick McManus, a mem-
ber of the SA Police force
for 28 years, was awarded the
of fire for three hours, while
the gunfight continued around
him. Incredibly, he recounts
and other immediate medical
assistance which saved him
from the brink of death. He
inaugural SA Police Bravery that he had many positive says these medicos were the
Monday March 17th
Medal in 1989, and has a long thoughts about family, friends true heroes, along with his
Guest speaker will be
history of community involve- and colleagues while laying in team who risked their lives to
Ms Judy Brookstrom,
ment over 20 years, earning this desperate position, know- save his.
Therapist with the
him an Australia Day Young ing that they would soon res- After a lengthy period of re-
Panic Anxiety Disorder
Citizen of the Year Award. cue him. habilitation, in every situation
Association. She has
been conducting However his speech focused These positive thoughts, es- returned to work at the STAR
anxiety programs and on a siege in the Barossa Val- pecially about his family, pro- Division.
information sessions for ley on May 3, 1994. Sergeant vided him with a fierce deter- His presentation captivated
many years. McManus, then a member of mination to survive. members who attended the
the STAR Division, was shot Sergeant McManus empha- meeting, as he spoke with
Monday April 21st 14 times with a high-pow- sized that opportunities present compassion, humor, was in-
Guest speaker will be ered semi-automatic weapon. themselves in every situation, sightful and exhibited an abil-
Ms Belle Mc Caleb, With broken bones and sev- and that we need to recognise ity to easily relate to people.
naturopath, nutritionist ered arteries, he lay bleeding and make the most of them.
profusely for three hours be- His messages were espe-
and herbalist at the
fore he was rescued. He remains especially grate- cially valuable to the group,
Cancer Care Centre
ful to the Royal Adelaide including “no matter what the
Naturopathy Clinic, He remained conscious but Hospital Retrieval Team who circumstance, plan to win”,
providing nutritional was unable to move and laid placed their own lives at risk and “success is a matter of
medicine for prostate on open ground in the field to provide blood (24 units) choice”.
cancer support.
Monday May 19th
Positive outlook expressed by new members
Guest speaker will be PETER Woodrow and Peter nosed with an aggressive pros- the next year until a radical
Dr Mary Brooksbank, OʼConnor, new members to tate cancer which appeared to prostatectomy was performed,
director of the Palliative the Adelaide group, told the be contained within the pros- followed by continuing fluc-
Care Unit at the Royal February meeting in some de- tate (T2 ) with a gleason score tuations in PSA readings and
Adelaide Hospital. tail about their journeys with of eight. Peter had a radical prescribed medicines.
prostate cancer – and how prostatectomy, in December Peter says he will discuss his
Monday June 16th through their ordeals they ex- 2007, and his February PSA illness with anybody who is
A general discussion ude a sense of well being, hap- test indicated a reading of .04. interested, as it may help oth-
evening concerning piness and the ability to enjoy His urologist is quite optimis- ers with similar problems. “We
Prostate Cancer. and appreciate life. tic concerning his long term are all different and what may
Peter Woodrow had been re- prognosis, and Peter is looking happen to one person may not
For more information, tired for two years and had a forward to getting back on the necessarily have the same ef-
visit the Adelaide family history of prostate can- golf course. fect or result on another. We
Group’s dedicated cer, (father and grandfather). Peter OʼConnorʼs father and should listen to each other and
website at www. During a regular check in five of his seven siblings had discuss our concerns with our
psaadelaide.org or 2007, his PSA indicated an el- died of cancer; in June 2003, doctors.”
contact President Phil evated reading from 3.7 to 5.7. Peter had a blood test that in- • Peter OʼConnorʼs full treat-
Davis; Phone 82632217 He was referred to a urologist dicated a PSA reading of 8, ment story will be published
Classic100@bigpond.com and after a biopsy was diag- which contined rising through in the April newsleteer.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia freecall hotline is 1800 22 00 99
or visit the website www.prostate.org.au
Page 4 http://www.pcagsa.org.au
City of Onkaparinga Prostate Cancer Support Group
COMING EVENTS
FOR 2008 Making the group
MARCH MEETING:
The Support Group’s
next meeting is being
known to politicians
held in the boardroom Group President John Shields reports a good start for 2008
at Noarlunga – with increased recognition in the southern community.
Community Hospital,
Alexander Kelly
Drive, Noarlunga, on
Wednesday, March 5
T HE CITY of Onkaparinga
Prostate Cancer Support
Group was fortunate to be in-
work, live and play. Ann and
Dolph Young were present,
representing the Cancer Sup-
support group meeting, proved
yet again to be a great experi-
ence, being able to hear ev-
at 6.30pm. The guest vited to morning tea at Artie port Network-Onkaparinga. eryone sharing their many and
speaker is Pam Lawton Fergusonʼs to meet Amanda This meant that cancer support varied prostate cancer experi-
from Carers Association Rishworth MP – the new Fed- interests were extremely well ences, and at the same time be-
SA, who will talk about eral Member for the seat of represented at the meeting, ing a fount of information for
Caring & Carer Support. Kingston, which includes the with the presence of John and our visitors and new members,
Onkaparinga district. Phyllis Shields, and Malcolm including Ken and Frank.
APRIL MEETING: and Beverley Ellis joining
Artie invited representatives INFORMATION DAY
Our guest speaker Artie and Juli Ferguson.
from various groups in the Mid AT SEAFORD
for the meeting on
South Coast Ward – groups FEBRUARY MEETING A PUBLIC information pre-
April 2 will be Graeme
that he works very hard for ANN and Dolph Young also sentation on prostate cancer
Goodings, Channel 7
– to meet Amanda Rishworth, joined social worker Jules Van and the support group will
personality and cancer
who told us that she would be Kekem at the Onkaparinga be conducted in the Seaford
survivor. This meeting
happy to attend future Onkapa- groupʼs February meeting to Shopping Centre on Wednes-
will be held in a larger
ringa Group meetings, to talk provide an update on work day, April 30, from 9am to
room behind the
about ways that she can be of in progress and upcoming 5pm, near Chem Mart, which
cafeteria at Noarlunga
assistance with such things as events, including a menʼs sup- is a particularly busy shopping
Community Hospital.
grants. port group, a survivors group, area. If you can help by being
For more information, Group president John Shields a resource information centre present on that day, it will be
visit the City of will be inviting her to attend in the region and the launch of very much appreciated.
Onkaparinga Support the groupʼs April meeting, the Fleurieu Cancer Network. An information day will also
Group’s dedicated when Graeme Goodings will We are going to purchase a be held at Woodcroft Shopping
website at be guest speaker. display screen, as discussed Centre later this year, possibly
www.pcsog.org The morning tea at Artieʼs at the Association meeting. It during September.
also provided a good opportu- is hoped that we may be able The group will also make in-
• Special thanks is nity for us to meet other mem- to obtain a significant discount
extended to the City quiries at Aldinga and the Hub
bers of our community who if other groups also commit to Shopping Centre in Aberfoyle
of Onkaparinga Sup- are giving of themselves to purchasing screens.
port Group sponsors: Park, to see if it is worthwhile
help make the City of Onkapa- The Round Robin discussion, for us to have a presence there
Southern Primary ringa a much better place to
Health Woodcroft, which is always a part of our also.
Port Noarlunga-Chris-
ties Beach RSL Sub What do you think of the newsletter?
Branch, Thaxted Park
Golf Club Inc, The YOUR feedback on the new It is also our intention for the many community
Original Open Market, combined newsletter would be the newsletter to become organisations within the City
and to all who provide appreciated – and it could be a valuable resource in the of Onkaparinga.
valuable support our valuable for us in our continued doctorsʼ waiting rooms, Please phone John Shields on
group – especially the efforts to make the newsletter hospital information areas, 8382 6671 with your ideas. If
City of Onkaparinga interesting, eye catching, and primary health reception areas, you could offer help to deliver
Council. a publication that everyone libraries and other local group some of these newsletters, it
looks forward to receiving. meeting facilities, especially would be greatly appreciated.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia freecall hotline is 1800 22 00 99
or visit the website www.prostate.org.au
http://www.pcagsa.org.au Page 5
Mitcham Prostate Cancer Support Group
Aiming to consolidate COMING EVENTS
Thursday March 27
support for members
Speaker will be Dr Peter
Sutherland – Head of
Urology, Royal Adelaide
Hospital. His team of
T HE Annual General
Meeting that marked the
groupʼs first gathering for
Pinnock, urologist Dr J. Titus,
physiotherapist Virginia Gill,
counsellor Darren Hosne and
Liason/welcoming member
- Roland Harris
researchers offer trials
of new drugs and new
techniques. He has a
Promotions officer - Jeff
2008, held on February 28, Ian Fisk, speaking about the Roberts (temporary) special interest in male
looked at strategies to increase PCFA Ambassador Group. At sexual dysfunction, and
and consolidate meeting meetings without a speaker, Following the AGM, Ian Fisk
pioneered use of the
attendances, with the aim of DVDs on health related issues showed a DVD of the PCFA
DaVinci Robotic Surgical
continuing to provide support were screened. Menʼs Health Promotion
System for prostatectomy
and fellowship to members Forum held in Adelaide on
2007 was the second year surgery at the RAH. He
and their families, and to October 6, 2007, showing the
where we finished the year has particular expertise
provide quality speakers on presentations of John Oliffe
with a social dinner at the in managing prostate
topics of interest. and Gary Wittert.
RSL, and it looks as though cancer, vasectomy
During 2007, attendances at this may occur annually. Mitcham Group usually meets reversal, treatment of
meetings varied considerably, on the fourth Thursday of each kidney stones and laser
Chairman Terry Harbour, month, in the Colonel Light
from 13 to well over 30, with treatment of prostatic
declared all positions for 2008 Gardens RSL Clubrooms, at 4
a few new faces – including obstruction.
vacant. Positions were filled as Prince George Parade, Colonel
Heinz who, after hearing about follows: Thursday April 24
our support group, got in a taxi Light Gardens.
Dr Samantha Pillay
and came from Semaphore to Chairman - Terry Harbour • For further information, - Consultant Urologist,
be part of the August meeting. Deputy Chairman - not filled phone Mitcham group chair Calvary Hospital, will
Several excellent speakers Secretary - Graham Bradley Terry Harbour on 8271 speak on treating
featured at meetings, including 0513, Jeff Roberts on 8277 incontinence after
Treasurer - John
clinical researcher Dr Carole 3424 or visit our website prostate surgery.
Baulderstone www.psamitcham.org
Barossa & Gawler Prostate Cancer Support Group
Spirit of cooperation helps group to progress
T HE first meeting for 2008
was attended by 19 mem-
bers, a lively informal gather-
group. Max recently learned
that he failed to satisfy the
necessary criteria for brachy-
• When possible, proceedings
will be relaxed to encourage
informal chat.
COMING EVENT
ing that encouraged plenty of therapy treatment – a combi- Tuesday April 22
• A portable recorder will be Meeting from 2pm to
social interaction and shared nation of age (just over 70), purchased for use during meet-
health news around dinner prostate size and PSA (11). 4pm at the home of
ings, supplanting the need for Margaret and Robert
tables prepared by hosts Tony Other members were able to a minutes secretary.
and Jill Woolley. reassure him and explain other Reimann, 29 George St,
treatment options. • An article will be prepared Greenock. The meeting
Alan Hall reported on a tele- for publication in local papers will focus on nutrition.
conference with Prostate SA The meeting made several to coincide with State-wide Members are asked to
and Cancer Council SA, and a resolutions based on interim publicity through television bring a plate of after-
meeting of group leaders with committee suggestions: and The Advertiser. It is an- noon tea.
PR consultant Karyn Foster. • The number of meetings ticipated this campaign will
The Prostate Supporter news- • For more information
will be reduced, and some day boost group membership. about the Barossa
letter was discussed and ap- meetings will be held.
proval was unanimous. • Barossa Health has been ap- & Gawler Group,
• A roster will be prepared for proached for support and in- contact Alan Hall at
New members Max and Rose- refreshments organisers. volvement with the group. jalful2@bigpond.com
mary were welcomed to the
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia freecall hotline is 1800 22 00 99
or visit the website www.prostate.org.au
Page 6 http://www.pcagsa.org.au
Research findings and news items from around the world
Submitted by Trevor Hunt
Aggressive
edge to
Urine tests lead to more
new cancer
campaign
accurate diagnoses
Unravelling prostate-specific gene data is pointing
A SELECTION of men
are road-testing a new towards better patient test procedures, as
“in your face” national researchers report from Michigan in the US.
prostate cancer
awareness campaign.
The campaign
features information
A N EXPERIMENTAL
biomarker test devel-
oped by researchers at the
“We want to develop a test
to allow physicians to predict
whether their patients have
underwent prostate biopsy at a
University of Michigan urol-
ogy clinic. Among this group,
imploring men to University of Michigan more prostate cancer that is so accu- biopsy results confirmed a di-
have a blood test for accurately detects prostate rate a biopsy won’t be needed agnosis of prostate cancer in
prostate cancer, and cancer than any other screen- to rule cancer out,” Chinnai- 138 patients.
the information posters ing method currently in use, yan said. “No test can do that Correlating the urine bio-
will sit right above according to a study published now.” marker test results with the
every toilet in every in the February 1 issue of Chinnaiyan and the Michigan biopsy data, researchers found
hotel in australia. Cancer Research, a journal of researchers developed the test that, in combination, four of
The new campaign is the American Association for based on their recent finding the seven biomarkers were
the brainchild of the Cancer Research. that gene fusions (pieces of significant predictors of pros-
EJ Whitten Foundation The researchers say a simple chromosomes that trade places tate cancer: GOLPH2, which
and the Australian urine test that screens for the with each other, causing two is generally over-expressed
Hotels Association. presence of four different RNA genes to stick together) are in prostate cancer; SPlNK1,
The foundation will molecules accurately identi- common in prostate cancer, over-expressed in a subset of
spread the word by fied 80 per cent of patients in a and by overriding molecular these cancers; the PCA3 tran-
using men’s toilets study who were later found to switches that turn off excess script expression; and TM-
at pubs to relay have prostate cancer, and was growth may affect the caus- PRSS2:ERG fusion status. Of
the message about 61 per cent effective in ruling ative factor in some forms of the seven markers, only PCA3
prostate cancer
out disease in other study par- the disease. had been previously reported
directly to men.
ticipants. In 2005 the researchers iden- as a diagnostic biomarker.
“You really have to get This is far more accurate than tified a prostate-specific gene When tested as individual
in their faces,” says the PSA blood test currently in called TMPRSS2 which fuses biomarkers, GOLPH2, PCA3,
Ted Whitten Jr, “so use worldwide, which can ac- with either ERG or ETV1, two and SPINK1 each outper-
where better than in
curately detect prostate cancer genes known to be involved in formed PSA, which had iden-
the inner sanctum of
that most masculine of
in men with the disease but several types of cancer. tified all of the men in the
venues.” which also identifies many In 2007, they identified an- study as potentially positive
men with enlarged prostate other five genes that fuse onto for prostate cancer.
Urologist Dr Doug
glands who do not develop ERG or ETV1 to cause pros- The combination of the four
Travis, president of
cancer, researchers say. tate cancer. biomarkers achieved a speci-
the Australian Medical
Association’s Victorian
Even the newer PCA3 test, In the current study, research- ficity and positive predictive
branch, said it was which screens for a molecule ers built upon the PCA3 test value of greater than 75 per
“extremely important specific to prostate cancer and by screening for six additional cent, which they found to be
for men, when they is now used in the US and Eu- biomarkers, including TM- five perc ent better than use of
are 50 to have the rope is less precise. PRSS2:ERG, as well as mole- a PCA3 test alone.
blood test for prostate “Relative to what is out there, cules generally over-expressed Chinnaiyan believes any tests
cancer... however, men this is the best test so far,” said in prostate cancer, and some developed and widely tested
in their 30s and 40s the study’s lead author, Arul which are over-expressed in would first be used to supple-
should not ignore it Chlnnaiyan, director of the specific cancer subtypes. ment a PSA blood screen.
either.” Michigan Center for Transla- Researchers collected urine Source: American Association
Source: The Herald Sun, tional Pathology at the Uni- samples from 234 men with for Cancer Research website
December 17, 2007. versity of Michigan. rising PSA levels before they http://www.aacr.org
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia freecall hotline is 1800 22 00 99
or visit the website www.prostate.org.au
http://www.pcagsa.org.au Page 7
... prostate cancer research news update ... Questions persist
over whether
New resources viruses cause
postate cancer
to give patients T HE recent development of a
cervical cancer vaccine by
the 2006 Australian of the Year,
Professor Ian Frazer AM, has raised
more answers the question: do viruses also cause
prostate cancer?
Initial research has shown that the
human papillomavirus (HPV) could
T HE PROSTATE Can-
cer Foundation of
Australia, in partnership
that can be downloaded
from www.prostate.org.
au under the resources
not given information on
discharge from hospital
regarding the possibility
play a role in the development
of prostate cancer. Certain
cancercausing HPV types are
with Impotence Austra- heading, or a booklet of developing urinary in- found in close to 100 per cent of all
lia, and with an education can be ordered through continence after prostate cervical cancers. Previous studies
grant from Eli Lilly, has Impotence Australia by surgery. have also found these HPV types in
produced treatED: Pros- phoning 1800 800 614, This new resource has prostate cancer.
tate Edition – an updated or phone PCFA on 1800 been developed to edu- A joint project between the Mazda
resource on erectile dys- 220 099. cate men about the inci- Foundation and the Prostate
function. dence of urinary inconti- Cancer Foundation of Australia
While erectile dysfunc- has established a new research
A NOTHER new nence following prostate
tionis an unfortunate con- surgery and provides fellowship to investigate this vital
publication – Con-
sequence of prostate can- practical information to area. This Fellowship has been
tinence and prostate: a
cer treatment, erections assist men before and af- awarded to Dr Annika Antonsson,
guide for men undergoing
can be improved – and ter operations, including who is based within the Centre for
prostate surgery – is also
the best chance of ensur- an emphasis on the im- Immunology and Cancer Research
now available.
ing a future sex life is portance of pelvic floor under the supervision of Professor
with early intervention. This resource has been muscle exercises, diet Frazer.
developed by the Con- and lifestyle habits, infor- “We think that undiscovered HPV
treatED: Prostate Edi-
tinence Foundation of mation about continence types might be involved in the
tion provides simply
Australia in collaboration products and where to go development of prostate cancer
written but detailed infor-
with PCFA, the Urologi- for further information. and will use a new technique to try
mation on the impact of
cal Society of Australia and further identify them,” says Dr
the main prostate cancer The free resource is also
and New Zealand, the Antonsson.
treatments on erections recommended for health
Australian Physiotherapy “We have been able to detect over
and how best to mitigate professionals who are in
Association, Australian 150 new papillomavirus types with
this side effect. contact with men requir-
Nurses for Continence this new method and the previously
This booklet for men and and the Australian and ing prostate surgery, in-
cluding urologists, urolo- unknown HPV types will be tested
their partners follows on New Zealand Urological
gy nurses, pre-admission in several different ways to see if
from the original treatED Nurses Society.
nurses, discharge plan- they cause prostate cancer.
resource and provides
A recent survey found ning coordinators and “Identification of a virus linked
up-to-date information
that a year or more after general practitioners. to the development of prostate
on the main, proven treat-
prostate surgery, 66 per cancer would be a very important
ments for ED. Copies of both resourc-
cent of men experienced discovery. We would then be able
The very successful urinary incontinence es are available at the to design a test to detect these
original resource is now which significantly af- national website www. HPV types, and this would make it
available in five more fected their quality of prostate.org.au, from possible to identify men at risk of
languages – Greek, Ital- life. the National Continence developing prostate cancer at an
ian, Vietnamese, Chinese Helpline on 1800 33 00 early stage.
Significantly, 41 per 66, or the PCFA freecall
and Arabic. treatED: “It also opens up the possibility of
cent of respondents also hotline on 1800 22 00
Prostate Edition is avail- developing a vaccine against this
reported that they were 99.
able as a PDF document cancer.”
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia freecall hotline is 1800 22 00 99
or visit the website www.prostate.org.au
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Research findings and news items from around the world
Submitted by Trevor Hunt
How is it possible to
overcome cancer pain?
Chronic pain is a frequent complaint of oncology patients
and an important aspect of palliative care management,
though focusing on the clinical features of cancer pain can
suggest strategies to address this issue.
C HRONIC PAIN is a well
recognised complication
of various forms of cancer,
sions or dysfunction of the pe-
ripheral or central nervous sys-
tems. In cancer, neuropathic
MANAGING
NEUROPATHETIC
However, its specific use in
cancer pain settings is still
emerging.
CANCER PAIN
and it creates substantial bur- pain is predominantly caused Successful treatment of neu-
THE effectiveness of opioids
dens for patients and carers. by tumour infiltration or com- ropathic pain in cancer patients
in the management of intrac-
Pain may include nociceptive, pression of the peripheral or requires a multidisciplinary
table pain such as neuropathic
neuropathic and mixed forms, central nervous system. approach. Adjuvant analge-
pain is controversial. Adjuvant
the latter two creating signifi- Cancer treatments includ- sics should always be used in
analgesics play an essential
cant challenges in cancer pain ing radiotherapy, surgery and combination with an appro-
role in the management of
management. chemotherapeutic agents may priate supportive therapeutic
neuropathic pain. However,
Despite its prevalence, little also contribute to painful antidepressants (including relationship and non-pharma-
data is currently available neuropathies. In addition, de- tricyclics) may be associated cological treatments.
about the extent of the pain bilitated cancer patients may with significant side effects
suffered by cancer patients. be prone to development of that limit their use. CONCLUSIONS
A population-based study diseases such as herpes zoster CANCER pain management is
International and Australian
was recently conducted in the and subsequent post-herpetic an ongoing challenge in pallia-
treatment algorithms in pri-
Netherlands to obtain reliable neuralgias. tive and primary care settings.
mary care suggest the gabap-
information about the preva- Patients with cancer may ex- entinoids such as gabapentin Neuropathic forms of pain
lence and severity of pain in perience neuropathic pain as a (Neurontin) and its structural are common and frequently
cancer patients (all phases) continuous burning, shooting analogue pregabalin (Lyrica) require additional adjuvant
and clinical predictors of pain. or electric sensations (contin- have proven evidence-based analgesic therapies. Research
A representative sample of uous dysesthesias), or sudden efficacy in the treatment of into neuropathic pain treat-
cancer patients were recruited episodes of sharp, stabbing, neuropathic pain and lack seri- ments is currently ongoing;
from a cancer registry. shooting, knife-like pain (lan- ous adverse effects. The theory however novel agents such
Pain was assessed by the cinating or paroxysmal pain). behind their efficacy is centred as anticonvulsant treatments
Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) Neuropathic pain may be on the reduction of neuronal have recently shown promise
and adequacy of pain treat- debilitating, distressing and hyperexcitability. (particularly in the manage-
ment by the Pain Management generally difficult to treat. ment of diabetic neuropathies
Pregabalin would appear to
Index (PMI). This study found Neuropathic pain syndromes and post-herpetic neuralgias).
be superior to gabapentin be-
that 55 per cent of the 1429 are therefore one of the major Medical professionals are
cause of its linear pharmaco-
respondents had experienced problems of cancer pain treat- encouraged to remain up to
kinetics, linear dose response,
pain in the past week, and 44 ment. Recognition of appropri- date with emerging therapies
faster onset of pain relief and
per cent of these patients re- ate pain syndromes is essential and ongoing research into the
reduction in sleep disturbance
ported moderate to severe pain for adequate management of management of cancer pain.
(within the first week of ther-
(BPI score 4). cancer pain. In a recent survey
apy), as well as having an ef-
of 593 cancer patients seek- Source: American Society for
Pain management treatment fective starting dose of 75mg
ing pain relief, 32 presented Therapeutic Radiology and
was inadequate in 42 per cent twice daily.
with neuropathic and 181 had Oncology 49th Annual Meet-
of cancer pain patients. mixed nociceptive and neuro- Pregabalin may therefore be ing, October 28, 2007.
Neuropathic pain is broadly pathic pain syndromes. an effective first line agent for
defined as pain caused by le- managing neuropathic pain.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia freecall hotline is 1800 22 00 99
or visit the website www.prostate.org.au
