Welcome to the Ballarat Health Services’ Prostate Cancer website. You will find a series of videos from local clinicians to assist with your management of men throughout their prostate cancer experience. You will also find resources on options for screening, supportive care services, side effect and survivorship management, as well as highlighting the services we have available in our region.
Working Together for our men from screening, diagnosis, treatment and beyond
Introduction
Terry Grano is a Ballarat local who was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer 20 years ago. He is the leader of the Ballarat Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Prostate Cancer Screening and Guidelines
Dr Lachlan Dodds
Head of the Urology Unit
Ballarat Health Services
Lachlan Dodds has been practising urology in Ballarat for over 20 years. He has a broad experience in treating urological cancers with particular reference to prostate, kidney and bladder cancer and has skills in laparoscopy. He has a sub-specialty interest in paediatric urology. Lachlan is Head of the Urology Unit at Ballarat Health Services. He is a Director of a Ballarat Community organisation focusing on men's mental health and suicide prevention in our region.
An overview of initial investigation and potential treatment options
Dr Stephen Brown
Clinical Director of Medical Oncology
Stephen joined Ballarat Health Services in 2013 after completing his medical oncology training, including a Clinical and Research Fellowship at the Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre at the Austin Hospital with a focus on gastrointestinal and genitourinary tumours and Phase I research. Stephen was formally appointed to the roles of Clinical Director of Medical Oncology and Deputy Director of Internal Medical Services at Ballarat Health Services in 2016. Stephen has a sub-speciality interest in the treatment of urological cancers.
Shared Care
Dr Lachlan Dodds
Head of the Urology Unit
Ballarat Health Services
Lachlan Dodds has been practising urology in Ballarat for over 20 years. He has a broad experience in treating urological cancers with particular reference to prostate, kidney and bladder cancer and has skills in laparoscopy. He has a sub-specialty interest in paediatric urology. Lachlan is Head of the Urology Unit at Ballarat Health Services. He is a Director of a Ballarat Community organisation focusing on men's mental health and suicide prevention in our region.
A Point of Contact for Patients
Gay Corbett
Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse
Grampians Region – Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre
Ballarat Health Services
Gay commenced this role in 2014 and she provides an expert point of contact for the patient and family, providing both psychosocial and clinical support to men with prostate cancer. She works alongside existing healthcare providers to contribute to the delivery of effective care for men with prostate cancer, assists patients to access community resources, and streamlines service delivery with referrals to other healthcare professionals. Gay's contact details can be found here.
The Symptom and Urgent Review Clinic
Sue Bartlett
Symptom and Urgent Review (SURC) Nurse
Ballarat Health Services
Sue has 15 years’ experience as an Oncology Nurse and now leads the SURC clinic with medical oncology support. The SURC service is for oncology and haematology patients having systemic anti-cancer treatment at BRICC. The clinic offers great support to patients who are suffering from side-effects after receiving treatment. Patients (or their support person) can get advice or support if they are feeling unwell or have any concerns.
The Wellness Centre - BRICC
Simone Noelker
Physiotherapist & Wellness Centre Coordinator
Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre
Ballarat Health Services
Simone completed her Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2001 and Bachelor Social Sciences (Psychology) (Honours) in 2016 and has been managing the Wellness Centre since it opened in 2013. The Wellness Centre is designed to meet the needs of patients both during and post treatment with the aim of empowering and supporting people with cancer to take an active role in their health and well-being.
The Benefits of Exercise
Tracey Duggan
Accredited Exercise Physiologist (ESSA)
Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre
Ballarat Health Services
Tracey has been working as an Exercise Physiologist at Ballarat Health Services for over 15 years. She is most passionate about working in exercise and oncology to help counteract adverse side effects of cancer and its treatment, and ultimately improve the quality of life of individuals affected by cancer. She has spent the last 5 years seeing patients in the BRICC and Queen Elizabeth Centre, as well as being a member of the multidisciplinary team facilitating the Oncology Why Wait for Wellness group education sessions.
The Emotional and Psychological Impact
Dr Sarah McKinnon
Senior Clinical Psychologist
Psychology Department, Ballarat Health services
Dr Sarah McKinnon completed her Doctorate of Psychology Clinical at The University of Melbourne in 2001. Sarah has a special interest in psychooncology having completed her major thesis on coping with chemotherapy treatment and has worked in the oncology setting since the completion of her training. This has included working with people experiencing sexual dysfunction following their treatment, coping with and adjusting to changes in appearance, learning how to navigate the medical system and developing self-management skills, as well as emotionally processing and facing their own mortality. Sarah co-facilitates the Why Wait for Wellness program and co-ordinates the psychooncology clinic at BRICC.
Diet and Nutrition
Amy Smith
Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)
Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre
Ballarat Health Services
Amy graduated from Flinders University of South Australia in 2007, with a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics and has worked at Ballarat Health Services for the past 12 years, specialising in oncology for the past 4 years. Amy has developed a keen interest in Oncology nutrition and strives toward enhancing patient-centred care throughout all aspects of the cancer journey. Amy coordinates and is a key facilitator of the Why Wait for Wellness group education session run at the BRICC.
Your Feedback
Prostate Cancer Testing Information and Key Questions
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia features helpful information to help men make an informed decision about prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing.
Exercise and Cancer Resources
Read the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia's position statement on Exercise in Cancer Care here.
Watch ABC's Catalyst episode on Exercise and Cancer here.
Exercise and Sports Science Australia have released an eBook titled Exercise and Cancer, available free here.
Exercise is Medicine® Australia has resources to educate healthcare providers and patients on the role that exercise has in the prevention, treatment and management of chronic conditions as well as referral processes in Australia. Visit their website here.
Accessing Exercise Physiologists
Exercise and Sports Science Australia has an online directory for Accredited Exercise Physiologists, available here.
Patients require a referral to access the BHS Exercise Physiology services. Click here for more information about the available programs. Referrals can be directed through the link below.
BRICC Wellness Centre
The Wellness Centre is designed as a welcoming retreat for patients and carers.
COVID-19 Disclaimer
In response to the challenges and restrictions COVID-19 has presented, BHS is adapting with agility to offer digital resources and services. Our clinicians have filmed these videos themselves, on their own devices, which has allowed this resource to be produced promptly, without requiring face-to-face interactions. Please note, the media quality will reflect this.
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