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Support and Mentoring Help Men Through Prostate Cancer
The Center for Prostate Health at Community Memorial Hospital is taking prostate cancer treatment to a new level. Equipped with the latest technology, leading specialists and newest treatment options, men facing this diagnosis have the greatest chance of survival.
Even with these advantages, men diagnosed with prostate cancer are often overwhelmed with concern about how it will affect their health, relationships, careers ... their lives. Realizing people need to be treated, as well as the cancer, a support group was started almost a year ago.
“The first meeting was attended by 20 men,” says Bonnie Lund, RN, an oncology nurse who facilitates the support group. “I learned a lot about prostate cancer, and formed good relationships with many of the patients here,” she continues. Lund’s commitment to the support group comes from working alongside Colleen Lawton, MD, a Medical College of Wisconsin radiation oncologist specializing in prostate cancer treatment. Dr. Lawton practices at the Community Memorial Hospital Cancer Care Center and at Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin.
“Our meetings have an educational focus and we’ve had some wonderful programs presented by specialists who are involved in treating prostate cancer. I am amazed atthe level of knowledge group members have and how much they want to learn. Their interest in the group is demonstrated by their enthusiastic participation.”
On average, about 15 to 20 men attend monthly meetings. Now that the support group is well established, a new mentoring project is getting started. Newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients can be matched with mentors who experienced a similar diagnosis and treatment. Or, a mentor can work with men who want to explore other treatment options. Mentor training is provided by the American Cancer Society.
The Community Memorial Hospital Prostate Cancer Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 6:30-7:30 pm in the hospital’s Cancer Care Center. Meetings are free and open to all men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. For more information, call 800-246-8332.
Source: Froedtert Today Date: November 2004 |