STRUCK by throat and prostate cancer himself, Brian Burgess knows all too well the challenges in battling cancer.
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That’s why he pulled his finger out, pun-intended, to help other men struggling with the same.
“I run a support group and there’s about 20 of us, we’re there to support people through their journey and direct them to difference services for advice,” he said.
“We meet for fellowship and people discuss their problems if they have them.”
Prostate cancer kills more men in Australia than breast cancer kills women, when Mr Burgess was diagnosed he had little more than a pain in his lower back.
“I was diagnosed with kidney stones, when they operated they took a sample of my prostate,” he said.
“I had no choice but to have it taken out because it was so far advanced.”
Mr Burgess’ wife has battled breast cancer and volunteers with CanAssist, both attended a morning tea on Friday where $1000 was donated to the prostate cancer support group by JobLink Plus.
He said cancer sufferers are lucky to have access to the services available in Tamworth.
“When you have a prostate cancer diagnosis, there’s about nine stages all from a very mild stage right up to full blown prostate cancer,” he said.
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“Symptoms can be subtle and can include problems passing urine, a frequent urge to urinate even when the bladder is empty as well as stinging, burning and pain during urination.
“The facilities in Tamworth are excellent and the amazing thing about prostate cancer is there’s now not always a need for a rectal examination.”
Details for the group can be found at prostate.org.au
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
