Prostate cancer seminar

The Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation Centre and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia will be holding a free seminar on bladder and sexual rehabilitation following prostate cancer.

It is estimated that by 2010, as many as 20,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in Australia, making it the country’s most common cancer.

Improved early detection means that there are now more prostate cancer survivors than ever before but these recovering patients suffer from a number of debilitating side effects such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence.

“[While] erectile difficulties and the loss of bladder control can be distressing, there are many treatments and management options available to men,” said Dr Phillip Katelaris, one of Australia’s most recognised specialists in the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer and the Director of the Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation Centre.

According to the National Deputy Chairman of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, David Sandoe, surviving prostate cancer is only part of the battle for some men.

“Recovery complications such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction often [cause] emotional hardships for patients and their families,” he said. 

“The need to openly discuss these issues is paramount in the ongoing rehabilitation process.”

Dr Katelaris and Mr Sandoe will be guest speakers at the seminar, which will be held at the Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga, at 6.30pm on Monday, 17 August.