Leaders step up to offer support

Wimmera cancer support group leaders will be better equipped to communicate with members and deal with confronting situations following training in Horsham.

Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group co-founder Brian Nagorcka said participants learnt a wealth of information at the session.

“When we formed the support group in Horsham last year we were invited to join Cancer Council Victoria,” he said.

“Max Judd and I were invited to do a course to help us lead our group.

“It was a full-on day but it was very informative. It was good to have people from other groups there.

“We talked a lot about what other groups were doing, including their failures and their good points.”

Mr Nagorcka said prostate cancer support services were limited when he was diagnosed with the disease about 18 months ago.

“When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer there wasn’t a support group here. Instead, I went to someone I knew had been through radiation,” he said.

“When you’re told you have prostate cancer – or any cancer – it comes as a shock.

“Where do you go? What do you do? That’s what this group is about.

“We’re helping people go through prostate cancer, from diagnosis to treatment to after.”

Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group members meet at Horsham RSL at noon on the third Wednesday of each month, except January and December.

Wider network

Mr Nagorcka said the group comprised about 35 members, with about 20 members attending meetings.

“We talk about our walk in life with prostate cancer and we sometimes have guest speakers,” he said.

“We encourage wives, partners and friends to attend. It’s an open invitation.

“It’s very important for wives and partners to give you support, the way my wife has supported me.

“The group is mostly men with prostate cancer, but there are some who have enlarged prostates which are not cancerous. They are being monitored closely by their doctors. We support people at all stages.”

Mr Nagorcka said he hoped raising awareness of the support group would also encourage men to pay more attention to their health.

“I was diagnosed through a blood test,” he said.

“My doctor told me I should have one because I hadn’t had one in a while.

“The test detected a high level and my doctor told me I’d need to have further tests.

“Men, once you get to a certain age, say 50 or 55, it is important to have regular blood tests. I’ve been asked to speak at different functions as part of the support group and it’s something I always tell people.”

Mr Nagorcka urged women to encourage the men in their lives to make their health a priority.

“It’s something women have got their act together on for a long time,” he said.

“There is a lot of breast cancer awareness and testing.

“With men, it’s still not there. Men are still – ‘it’s not going to happen to me’ – but it does.

“If you wait until problems arise, you will probably end up doing it tougher than you need to. Early detection is vital.”

Cancer Council Victoria program manager Briony Squibb said cancer support group volunteers from Horsham, Ararat, Warrnambool and Nhill participated in the training session.

“A lot of support groups are recognised by Cancer Council Victoria, but in order to be part of our programs leaders of those groups must undergo training,” she said.

“Most of the participants at the Horsham session were part of prostate or breast groups, along with a couple from general cancer groups.”

She said people could call Cancer Council Victoria on 13 11 20 for information about support groups.

Mr Nagorcka said people could call him on 5382 1452 or attend a monthly session at Horsham RSL for more information or support.