WHEN Port Macquarie man John Adams went to his doctor for a check-up in late 2008, his doctor raised a warning flag.
John’s PSA (prostate specific antigen) was not abnormally high, but it had showed a steady upward trend since he started having the checks 10 years previously.
He sent John to a specialist for a biopsy, which showed an irregularity. John had the choice of surgery or radiation then, or to wait and see what if, anything developed, John chose surgery, which because the cancer was found so early, he came through with flying colours. With no long-term major side-effects, six years on he is still all-clear and free to enjoy his golden years with his wife Maxine.
Since then, John has shared his story with many friends and acquaintances, several of whom he says now owe early detection of their own prostate cancer to following his example and having regular check-ups.
“Whatever you do, do not adopt a head-in-sand approach,” John said.
“Have regular check-ups. Any minor discomfort is absolutely nothing compared with what you have to face if you have a serious cancer that wasn’t detected early.”
John urges males – and their partners – to attend the upcoming Rural Prostate Cancer Education Road Show in Port Macquarie next Tuesday 25 February so they can find out all the latest information about prostate cancer.
A specialised team of men’s health experts headed by local specialists will present a comprehensive education session to help raise awareness.
The roadshow program is funded through a grant from the Federal Government and seeks to increase the knowledge of regional and rural healthcare providers from all disciplines who may be involved in the support of prostate cancer patients and survivors.
Port Macquarie-based urologist Dr Nadar Awad, radiation oncologist Thomas Shakespeare and cancer nurse Ken Procter will deliver the presentations, designed to help Australians in remote and rural areas learn more about the disease which kills more men than breast cancer does women every year.
The Port Macquarie session will be held from 7pm to 9pm at the Pier One Room in Panthers Port Macquarie.
For more information on the Port Macquarie roadshow session or PCFA’s roadshow program, please contact Jessica Roberts on 9438 7032 or email jessica.roberts@pcfa.org.au
