Download Cancer and its prevention

Men’s Health Peer Education
ILLNESS PREVENTION
Cancer and its prevention (Tab 20)
Cancer and its prevention
Contents
Learning outcomes...................................................................................................... 2
Acknowledgments....................................................................................................... 3
What is cancer? ........................................................................................................... 4
Relevance to the veteran community ........................................................................ 4
Cancer in Australia ...................................................................................................... 5
Prostate health problems ........................................................................................... 6
Prostate cancer ........................................................................................................... 9
Colorectal cancer ...................................................................................................... 11
Lung cancer ............................................................................................................... 14
Skin cancer ................................................................................................................ 16
Testicular cancer ....................................................................................................... 18
Talking with someone about cancer ......................................................................... 20
Cancer-smart lifestyle ............................................................................................... 22
Further information .................................................................................................. 23
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Cancer and its prevention
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, and with further directed activities, MHPE
volunteers should be able to:
 explain simply what cancer is and how it spreads
 list common symptoms and signs of benign prostate enlargement
 state three risk factors for colorectal cancer
 list four preventive actions to reduce risk of skin cancer
 state the most important action to recommend to someone who is concerned
about cancer or related health issues
 suggest useful responses to a peer who has disclosed he has been diagnosed
with cancer
 list the seven steps suggested as part of a cancer smart lifestyle
 locate primary Australian internet sources of further information about cancer
and cancer prevention.
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Acknowledgments
Information in this section has been obtained from the following sources:

Andrology Australia BPH fact sheets 2015
Andrology Australia website (www.andrologyaustralia.org)

Cancer Council Australia fact sheets 2014-2015
Cancer Council Australia website (www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-ofcancer)

Cancer Council Victoria fact sheets 2014
Cancer Council Victoria website (www.cancervic.org.au/aboutcancer/cancer_types)
Note: Where a discrepancy exists in information, e.g. role of testicular selfexamination, preference is given to:
1.
National Position Statements, Cancer Council Australia
2.
Most recent peak body published fact sheets and other data.
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What is cancer?
Cancer is a disease that involves changes to genes within specific cells of the body.
Most of these changes occur as the body ages or is affected by other influences,
but some cancers may result from inherited gene changes.
As a result of genetic changes, abnormal cells multiply rapidly and may grow into a
lump. These lumps (also called tumours or neoplasms) can be benign (not
cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumours do not spread to other parts
of the body (but may cause problems because of their size or location). Some
cancers, such as leukaemia, may not form lumps.
Although we often describe cancer according to the location of disease (e.g. lung
cancer), it is actually the type of cell involved that most influences treatment
choices. For example, melanoma and basal cell carcinoma are both skin cancers but
with very different cell types. Prognosis is influenced by the particular cell type and
how developed the cancer is when diagnosed.
Cancer spread
When it first develops, the malignant tumour is confined to its original site. This is
called the primary cancer. Cancer cells can invade surrounding tissue or spread to a
new location, where they form another tumour (of the same cell type). This is
called a secondary cancer or metastasis. This spread can occur via the bloodstream
or lymphatic system. Cancer is not contagious, and it is safe to be with a person
who has cancer.
Most people with cancer have successful outcomes after treatment.
Cancer is a word, not a sentence.
Relevance to the veteran community
Substantial studies conducted by DVA have found that some veterans may have an
increased risk of certain cancers (e.g. findings from the Vietnam and Korean
veterans’ studies). These increases have, in some cases, been associated with
occupational exposures or roles of some of the personnel involved. Apart from
ageing, however, the biggest risk factors remain lifestyle issues such as diet,
smoking and excessive alcohol consumption that can be influenced by military
service and health promotion initiatives.
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Cancer in Australia

One in two Australian men will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. Most
commonly these are non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC). Most will not die
from the cancer.

Nevertheless, cancer is a leading cause of death in Australia—more than 43,200
people are estimated to have died from cancer in 2011.

Ageing is a major risk factor. Cancer incidence increases with age, and is most
common in those over 65.

While more people die each year from cancer than 30 years ago, this is due
mainly to population growth and ageing. The death rate (thus allowing for
population increase) has actually fallen by 16 per cent.

The survival rate for many common cancers has increased by 30 per cent in the
past two decades.

The most common cancers in Australia (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer)
are prostate, colorectal (bowel), breast, melanoma and lung cancer.
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Prostate health problems
The prostate
The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut. It is found only in men. It
sits just below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra (the tube that takes
urine from the bladder to outside the body). The prostate produces some of the
fluid that makes up semen.
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Benign prostate enlargement
Benign prostate enlargement is a common condition that is not cancer.
It is normal for the prostate to get larger as men grow older. This can sometimes
create urinary problems, and is referred to as benign prostate enlargement (BPE)
or benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy (BPH).
Signs of BPE may include:

hesitancy: trouble starting to urinate

weaker stream: poor urinary flow or straining to urinate

nocturia: needing to urinate more than twice at night

dribbling: after urination has finished

urgency: an urgent feeling of needing to urinate

incomplete emptying: a feeling the bladder is not empty after urination

frequency: a short time between needing to urinate.
These signs are quite common in older men. Urination problems are not a usual
symptom of early prostate cancer.
These symptoms should be discussed with your doctor, who may then perform a:

digital rectal examination, in which the doctor places a finger inside the rectum
to check for changes to the surface of the prostate

prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which can indicate prostate
problems.
Further tests and treatment, if any, will depend on the degree of troublesome
symptoms, and will be decided based on discussion with your GP or specialist.
Treatment options can include:

no treatment

drug treatment

natural therapies

surgery, most commonly transurethral resection of the prostate.
BPE should not be confused with prostate cancer—the two conditions are quite
different and one cannot turn into the other.
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Prostatitis
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, and can cause urinary symptoms such as
those listed above. Prostatitis can also cause pain in the lower abdomen, pain
urinating, chills and fever and can be a very debilitating condition. All urinary
symptoms should be discussed with your doctor.
Fact sheet
Andrology Australia fact sheets
Andrology Australia website (www.andrologyaustralia.org/fact-sheets/)
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Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Australia after NMSC.
Eighty-five per cent of cases are diagnosed in men over 65 years of age.
Incidence and mortality
More than 19,800 cases of prostate cancer (more than 30 per cent of male cancers)
are diagnosed each year in Australia. In 2011, there were 3294 deaths from
prostate cancer (13% of all male cancer deaths). The large majority of men are
successfully treated and live for many years (see prognosis).
Screening
The PSA blood test can detect the disease early; however elevated PSA levels do
not necessarily mean cancer is present. The test may miss some cancers or have
false–positive results, so it is often done in conjunction with a digital rectal
examination and other tests.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Urinary symptoms are non-specific and include frequent urination, particularly at
night, pain on urination, blood in the urine and a weak stream. More extensive
disease often spreads to the bones and gives pain or causes unexplained weight
loss and fatigue.
Diagnosis is made using a digital rectal examination to feel the prostate, and a
blood test for PSA. Ultrasound and biopsy (removal of a small sample of tissue for
examination under a microscope) is used to detect the disease and determine its
spread.
Risk factors
The risk of prostate cancer rises with age, increasing rapidly over 50 years of age.
Family history increases the chances of developing the disease. There has been
some association with a diet high in fats and low in fresh fruit and vegetables.
Prevention
There are no proven measures to prevent prostate cancer. Early diagnosis is
important.
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Treatment
Low-grade disease confined to the prostate may be ‘watched’ (regular medical
checks) if not causing symptoms.
Surgery, radiotherapy and/or hormone therapy can all be helpful. The most
appropriate treatment/s will be chosen based on discussion between the man (and
partner) and his urologist and other doctors. Surgery with curative intent removes
the whole prostate (radical prostatectomy), and is more likely to be recommended
in younger men. The potential side-effects include impotence and urinary
incontinence, and these issues should form part of the decision-making discussion.
Prognosis
There are many features of prostate cancer that make it one of the least
threatening of cancers. Prostate cancer is usually slow growing. An individual’s
prognosis depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as their age and general
health. Nearly all patients who present with localised disease will live beyond five
years, with the 10- and 15-year survival rates being 93 and 77 per cent respectively.
The majority of men with prostate cancer are more likely to die with the disease
rather than from the disease.
Fact sheet
Cancer Council Australia fact sheet
Cancer Council Australia website (www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-ofcancer/prostate-cancer.html)
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Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, commonly called bowel cancer, is the second most common
cancer in both men and women in Australia (excluding NMSC).
The bowel
The bowel is the longest part of the digestive system. Colorectal cancer generally
affects the colon (large intestine) or rectum. Sometimes the cancer starts in polyps
that grow in the lining of the bowel. These are quite common in people over the
age of 50 and are usually benign. Some polyps, however, can grow and become
cancerous.
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Incidence and mortality
In 2010 14,860 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed. One in ten
Australian men will be diagnosed by the age of 85. In 2011, there were 3999 deaths
from colorectal cancer, second only to lung cancer deaths.
Screening
Screening, using a simple test for blood in the faeces, is available to Australians
who turn 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or 74 years of age through the National Bowel Cancer
Screening Program, or via your doctor. Abnormal tests are followed up with a
colonoscopy, in which a narrow tube is inserted via the anus to examine the bowel
while the person is under a light anaesthetic.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

change in bowel habit: diarrhoea, constipation or a sense of incomplete
emptying

thin bowel movements

blood in the faeces

abdominal bloating or cramping.
More general symptoms are:

tiredness

weight loss

unexplained anaemia.
Diagnosis is by a colonoscopy and biopsy.
Risk factors
Risk factors include age, inherited genetic risk, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity
and smoking.
Prevention
The risk of bowel cancer can be reduced by not smoking, eating a healthy diet
with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and maintaining a healthy body weight.
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Treatment
Early disease can be treated with surgery alone to remove the affected bowel and
surrounding lymph nodes. Later disease requires surgery and additional
chemotherapy to try to prevent recurrence. Widespread disease is treated with
chemotherapy.
Prognosis
An individual’s prognosis depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as their
age and general health at the time of diagnosis. If diagnosed and treated early
(‘Stage I’), 93 per cent of patients will still be alive after five years, falling to 8 per
cent for widespread disease.
Fact sheet
Cancer Council Australia fact sheet
Cancer Council Australia website (www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-ofcancer/bowel-cancer/)
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Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Australia, but causes the most
cancer deaths. Four out of five lung cancers are called ‘non-small cell lung cancers’,
and most of the remainder are ‘small-cell lung cancers’. A rare type of cancer that
may affect the membranes around the lungs is called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma
is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos, and in most cases occurs 20 to
50 years after exposure.
Incidence and mortality
In 2010 10,296 cases of lung cancer were diagnosed in Australia, about 9 per cent
of all cancers. Lung cancer causes more than one in five cancer deaths: In 2011,
there were 8114 deaths from lung cancer.
Screening
There is no routine screening test for lung cancer.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer may include:

shortness of breath and wheezing

chest pain

cough that can produce blood stained sputum (coughed up ‘phlegm’)
or general symptoms, including:

weight loss

lethargy

loss of appetite.
Testing will include scans of the chest, and diagnosis will be made with a biopsy of
the tumour during a bronchoscopy (a tube inserted into the airways under
anaesthetic) or examining sputum for cancer cells.
Risk factors
Cigarette smoking is the major cause, although some people diagnosed with lung
cancer have never smoked. Occupational exposures to asbestos or other materials
is also associated with lung cancer.
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Prevention
The major way to prevent lung cancer is by not smoking or quitting smoking.
Treatment
One or more of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used to treat the
cancer. Treatment choice depends on cancer type, location, size and spread.
Prognosis
An individual’s prognosis depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as their
age and general health at the time of diagnosis. For small operable cancers, up to
80 per cent of patients with ‘non-small cell cancer’ can be alive after five years. This
drops away very substantially for people with more extensive disease, small-cell
tumours and mesothelioma.
Fact sheet
Cancer Council Australia fact sheet
Cancer Council Australia website (www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-ofcancer/lung-cancer.html)
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Skin cancer
The skin has two main layers. The outer layer is called the epidermis. The epidermis
contains three different types of cells—squamous cells, basal cells and
melanocytes—each of which can turn cancerous. Skin cancers are named after the
type of cell from which they start. The three main types of skin cancer are thus
basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.
Australia has the highest incidence for melanoma, which is the fourth most
common cancer (excluding BCCs and SCCs, which are together classified as nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs)).
NMSCs are the most common cancers in Australia, however most are not lifethreatening. As well as BCCs and SCCs, a third group of lesions includes ‘sun spots’
such as solar keratoses. These are not invasive cancers but may require treatment
as some may develop into NMSC.
Incidence and mortality
Around 434,000 people are treated for one or more NMSC each year, with 543
people dying in 2011. The survival rate is well over 99 per cent! Melanoma
represents 9.5 per cent of all other cancers, with 11,405 cases diagnosed in 2010.
In 2011, there were 1544 deaths from melanoma.
Screening
People should learn the normal appearance of their skin and see a doctor if there
are any significant changes, such as changes in shape, colour or size of a coloured
lesion, or a new lesion. Those at high risk of melanoma (see below) should be
taught to check their skin for irregular or changing lesions, and see a dermatologist
for annual checks.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancers include:

any crusty, non-healing sores

small lumps that are red, pale or ‘pearly’ in colour

new spots, freckles or any moles changing in colour, thickness or shape over a
period of weeks to months (especially those dark brown to black, red or blue–
black in colour).
Melanoma may have no symptoms, can have changes as listed above, or present
as an irregular lesion, have uneven colour, or change and grow.
Diagnosis is by biopsy, which often also indicates spread of the cancer, and may
include removing the whole lesion.
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Risk factors
Between 95 and 99 per cent of skin cancers in Australia occur due to skin cell
damage by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. The risk of skin
cancer is increased for people who have:

increased numbers of unusual moles

fair skin, a tendency to burn rather than tan, freckles, light eye colour, light or
red hair colour

had a previous skin cancer.
Melanoma risk increases with the above, as well as in those who have:

had episodes of sunburn (especially during childhood)

depressed immune systems

a family history of melanoma in a close relative.
Prevention
Avoid sunburn by minimising sun exposure when the SunSmart UV Alert exceeds 3
and especially between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm. Seek shade, wear a hat that
covers the head, neck and ears, wear sun protective clothing and close-fitting
sunglasses, and wear an SPF30+ sunscreen. Avoid using solariums.
Treatment
NMSCs are almost always removed. In more advanced skin cancers, some of the
surrounding tissue may also be removed to make sure that all of the cancerous
cells have been taken. Ointments and radiation therapy are also used.
Surgery can be curative for thin melanomas and removes the melanoma and at
least 1–2 cm of normal skin around it. For thick melanomas, surgery will be the
main treatment, potentially supplemented by chemotherapy and possibly vaccine
trials.
Prognosis
An individual’s prognosis depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as their
age and general health at the time of diagnosis. Most NMSCs are successfully
treated. Five-year survival for people diagnosed with melanoma is 91 per cent,
rising to 99 per cent if the melanoma is detected before it has spread.
Fact sheets
Cancer Council Australia fact sheets
Cancer Council Australia website (www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-ofcancer/skin-cancer.html)
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Testicular cancer
Incidence and mortality
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer after melanoma in men aged 18 to
39 years. There are more than 700 Australian men diagnosed with testicular cancer
each year. Most testicular cancers are successfully treated. In 2011, there were 16
deaths from testicular cancer.
Screening
There is no routine screening test for testicular cancer. There is little evidence to
suggest that testicular self-examination detects cancer earlier or improves
outcomes, but regular checks in the shower may be practised. Report any concerns
to your doctor.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Testicular cancer may cause no symptoms. The most common symptom is a
painless swelling or a lump in a testicle. Less common symptoms include:

feeling of heaviness in the scrotum

change in the size or shape of the testicle

feeling of unevenness of the testicles

pain or ache in the lower abdomen, the testicle or scrotum

enlargement or tenderness of the breast.
Diagnosis
The only way to definitely diagnose testicular cancer is by surgical removal of the
affected testicle. While many types of cancers are diagnosed by biopsy, cutting into
a testicle could spread the cancer to other parts of the body. The whole testicle
needs to be removed if cancer is strongly suspected. Preliminary tests may include
ultrasound and blood tests.
Risk factors
The causes of testicular cancer are unknown; however, factors that may increase a
man’s risk are:

undescended testicle (when an infant)

family history (having a father or brother who has had testicular cancer).
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There is no known link between testicular cancer and injury to the testicles,
sporting strains, hot baths or wearing tight clothes.
Prevention
There are no proven measures to prevent testicular cancer.
Treatment
If the cancer is found only in the testicle, removal of the testicle (orchidectomy)
may be the only treatment needed. If the cancer has spread beyond the testicle,
chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be used as well.
Prognosis
An individual’s prognosis depends on the type and stage of cancer as well as their
age and general health at the time of diagnosis. All testicular cancers can be
treated. If the cancer is found while it is still only in one testicle (Stage I), 97 per
cent of men are cured.
Fact sheet
Cancer Council Australia fact sheet
Cancer Council Australia website
(www.cancer.org.au/aboutcancer/cancertypes/testicularcancer.htm)
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Talking with someone about cancer
Discovering that you or someone you know has cancer can be devastating. Even if
you suspect it, actually hearing the word ‘cancer’ can be shocking. It may be
difficult to take it all in. It is important to remember that over half the people who
get cancer will be cured, and for many others cancer and its symptoms can be
controlled so they can live comfortably for years. There is always something that
can be done for someone with cancer.
What might be useful?
Talk it over
For most people, talking about what they are going through is one of the best
things to help. It can help to clarify the situation and to make decisions about
things like treatment, finances, work, who to tell, and many other issues. The
person with cancer should choose someone they feel comfortable with. It may be a
relative or friend, or it may be someone less immediate, such as a health or support
worker or a religious adviser. Some people will take longer before they feel
comfortable talking about their situation.
Who should you tell?
Most people with cancer find it is easier to tell others about their diagnosis and
their fears and hopes rather than trying to hide them. Telling people about cancer
gives others a chance to express their own feelings, fears and hopes, and offer
support. People close to the person will almost certainly sense that something is
wrong and usually find out in the long run. Often people can deal with problems
more easily if they understand the situation rather than being unsure and unable to
be open about things. Each person needs a different amount of time to adjust.
If the family knows first
Sometimes family members are the first to know about a person’s diagnosis of
cancer. It is important to tell the person with cancer about their illness as they will
usually learn or guess the truth sooner or later. They may then be angry, hurt, and
bitter or feel unable to trust the family or their doctors. A person with cancer has
the right to know about the cancer and to decide what they will do and how they
will live.
Coping with feelings
People may experience a whole range of emotions after a diagnosis of cancer.
These may include shock, fear, anxiety, sadness, uncertainty, anger, guilt, denial
and, for some people, depression. These are all normal reactions. The emotional
effects of cancer may last long after the end of treatment. People often find they
continue to feel anxious about minor signs of illness or pain, fearing a recurrence.
Talking to family and friends, as well as health professionals, may be helpful.
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People adjust at different rates
People react differently to cancer, and adjust at different rates. Each person will be
ready to talk at different times, and no-one should feel forced to do so. This may
create frustration or tension. Some people need to sort out conflicting emotions
before they can express them. Others may want to talk immediately. You can show
your support by simply being there, and being ready to listen when others want to
talk.
Supporting each other
The strongest reason for sharing the diagnosis is that cancer can create loneliness.
There will be times when a person living with cancer can feel totally alone. No-one
needs to cope with cancer alone, as there are people and services available to
assist. As well as sharing anxiety and sorrow, families and friends can share love
and joy, and offer each other mutual support. Facing cancer together makes things
easier.
Getting help and support when you are alone
Having a serious illness when you feel that you have no close friends or family can
be especially hard. It’s not unusual for people to find themselves alone sometimes
in their lives: marriages break down, people move away or die, family relationships
can be poor, and people leave jobs and lose contact with work colleagues.
You don’t have to tough it out by yourself. You may find that simply getting some
help with practical things is all you need: Having your dog walked while you
undergo treatment, getting your lawn mowed or having your groceries or meals
delivered. The hospital social worker, the local council, your GP, an ex-service
organisation or the Cancer Council Helpline can tell you what services are available.
Living each day
Whatever the outlook for recovery, the person with a cancer diagnosis has to cope
with and get through each day. It’s not always easy. Some people, on being told
they have cancer, decide there is nothing to do but give up and wait for death.
They are not the first to feel that way.
People must work through feelings and fears in their own time. One day might
bring feelings of confidence, the next, despair. Many people find it helps to set
goals for themselves and their family, with the aim of returning to their normal
lives. Life continues despite cancer, and each day will bring pleasures and
responsibilities quite unrelated to the illness. These also deserve time and
attention, rather than letting the illness dominate.
‘I cut myself off ... I thought about my own funeral and it made me very sad. It
wasn’t until weeks later, driving home from hospital, it occurred to me that I wasn’t
dead yet! I could still drive my car. Why couldn’t I return home to barbeque a good
steak?’
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Staying involved
People need to escape the world of cancer at times. They still need responsibilities,
outings and companionship, just as before. Most people find that it helps, where
possible, to keep up outside activities such as going to work, taking the kids out,
playing cards with friends, or going on trips. Most people need to do things that
give them a sense of purpose or belonging and things that provide enjoyment.
Staying involved, of course, does not mean overdoing it. Having any illness means
recognising limitations as well as capabilities. Getting enough rest is extremely
important. Two common ways that people react to a diagnosis of cancer is to feel
like surrendering or aim to cram a lifetime’s experiences into a short space of time.
‘Putting one’s house in order’ is a concern for many people who learn that they
have cancer. This is not the same as giving up. It is a thoughtful and sensible way of
ensuring that things are under control for themselves, and the family.
Adapted from Life with Cancer, one of an excellent series of fact sheets available on
the Cancer Victoria website (www.cancervic.org.au/about-cancer/living-withcancer).
Cancer-smart lifestyle
One in three cancer cases are preventable. The number of cancer deaths could be
reduced significantly by choosing a cancer-smart lifestyle. More than 14,000 cancer
deaths each year are due to smoking, sun exposure, poor diet, alcohol, inadequate
exercise or being overweight.
There are seven simple steps you can take to reduce your cancer risk:
1.
quit smoking
2.
eat for health
3.
maintain a healthy weight
4.
be SunSmart
5.
limit alcohol intake
6.
be physically active
7.
get checked by your doctor.
See the Cancer Council website for more information on a cancer-smart lifestyle:
(www.cancer.org.au/cancersmartlifestyle/cancersmartlifestylefactsheets.htm).
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Further information
Cancer Council Helpline
The Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 allows anyone (including friends and
family) to talk with a trained worker, anonymously if desired. The helpline is
available 0900-1700 for all, and some states have extended hours and health
professionals available. Cancer Connect is a peer support service, available via the
helpline, which provides a person with cancer the opportunity to talk with
someone who has had a similar cancer experience.
Cancer Council Australia
National cancer information, fact sheets, Cancer Smart lifestyle links, and links to
state and territory Cancer Councils. As well as coordinating the helpline above, it
also provides Cancer Connections, an online support community, and
Cancer Council Australia website (www.cancer.org.au)
Cancer Council Victoria
Excellent, detailed fact sheets and other information. Other states have local
organisations accessible from the Cancer Council Australia website above.
Cancer Council Victoria website (www.cancervic.org.au)
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
Peak national body for prostate cancer in Australia. They have an extensive range
of resources.
Prostate Cancer Foundation website (www.prostate.org.au)
South Australian Prostate Cancer Clinical Outcomes Collaborative
Extensive, accessible information on everything to do with prostate cancer.
SAPCCOC website (www.prostatehealth.org.au)
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Information Line 1800 118 868
NBCSP website
(www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/bowelscreening-1)
Andrology Australia
An extensive resource for many issues dealing with male sexual and reproductive
health.
Andrology Australia website (www.andrologyaustralia.org)
Reviewed: 08/10/2015
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ILLNESS PREVENTION
(Tab 20) Cancer and its prevention
Men’s Health Peer Education
Apps
Note all are free at Apple store or Google play (for Android) unless specified
SunSmart
When and where do you need UV protection, and are you getting enough
vitamin D, linked to weather and location in Australia.
Cancer Council website (www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/uvalert/sunsmart-app.html)
(Note there are a number of apps that claim to analyse smartphone photographs of
moles into skin cancer risk levels. None are diagnostic tools in themselves. Their
main advantage is raising awareness, potentially allowing comparisons of changes
in a mole or other skin lesion, and encouraging you to see your doctor. If you are
concerned about a skin spot, see your GP.)
Bowel Cancer App
A clear guide to preventing, testing, early detection and living with bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer Australia website (www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/bowel-cancerapp)
Quit Now: My QuitBuddy
Developed by the Australian National Preventive Health Agency, this app provides a
customisable tools to help you stop smoking. Set your own goals, and a concise
readout keeps you motivated with stats and tips. You can access a range of
distractions you can modify (e.g. games and photos). There's also a panic button
you can hit that links you to the national Quitline or a designated friend.
Quit Now website (www.quitnow.gov.au/quitbuddy)
ProstateApp (available for Apple devices only)
Useful information for men and their partners about dealing with the physical,
social and psychological impact and decision-making regarding a diagnosis of
prostate cancer.
Itunes store https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/prostateapp/id931655470?mt=8)
(or link via the Prostate Cancer Foundation publications: ‘Facing the Tiger’)
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Reviewed: 08/10/2015