THE deputy chairman of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (NSW/ACT Chapter Council) will visit Port Macquarie today to promote awareness about prostate cancer.
Gary Herrett, who underwent a radical prostatectomy in 2006, became passionate about improving community understanding when he realised how little was known about prostate cancer. Two years later he became a Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) Ambassador, whose role it is to promote community awareness of prostate.
Mr Herrett will be the special guest at the next meeting of the Hastings Prostate Cancer Support Network where he will talk about treatment options, challenges and important information for partners and carers.
The director of Area Cancer Services, Dr Tom Shakespeare, supports the efforts of groups such as the PCFA to raise awareness of prostate cancer.
“Since the North Coast Cancer Institute opened in May 2007 we have treated more than 1000 men with prostate cancer, and have some of the best reported outcomes in Australia,” he said.
“Patients consistently tell me about their positive experiences during their cancer journey, and there is no doubt in my mind that these experiences have been enhanced by the wonderful support provided by other patients and the wider community.”
Fundraising campaigns such as the very popular Movember have also contributed greatly to the PCFA’s ongoing push for education and research.
The Hastings Prostate Cancer Support Network will be held today, at the North Coast Cancer Institute at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, starting at 4.45pm. New members are most welcome to attend.
For more information about the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia visit www.PCFA.org.au.
