Targeting Cancer Welcomes Prostate Cancer Position Statement

Targeting Cancer is excited about the release of the ‘Informed Decision Making in the Management of Localised Prostate Cancer – A Patient-Focused Perspective‘ position statement.

The bi-national document, which has today been released by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, which runs the Targeting Cancer campaign, stresses the importance of men with prostate cancer understanding all available treatment options.

The statement, which has the support of leading groups including Cancer Institute NSW, Cancer Voices and local prostate cancer support groups, highlights clear calls-to-action to ensure men with prostate cancer needing curative treatment are fully informed about surgery and radiation therapy treatment options.

The new position statement outlines the importance of men with prostate cancer exploring all treatment options open to them.

Targeting Cancer Clinical Lead A/Prof Sandra Turner said the statement, which was also developed in consultation with and has the support of prostate cancer support groups across the country, is an important document. It states the best practice model of care to support men in making decisions about curative treatment.

“This statement is a clear step forward for ensuring men with prostate cancer can fully take part in deciding what treatment is best for them,” A/Prof Sandra Turner said.

“The key point is that men deciding on curative treatment need to see the urologist (surgeon) and a radiation oncologist (the expert in radiation therapy) prior to being able to decide on treatment. They need to be given time to consider options and discuss these with their families and GPs if they wish.

“The position statement was developed to ensure men with prostate cancer are at the centre of the decision-making process, which unfortunately is not always the case.”

Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. It is estimated that close to 18,000 men will be diagnosed with the disease this year.

About 3000 New Zealand men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018.

Click here to view and read more about the the position statement.

For more on how radiation therapy treats cancers, click here.

For more on how radiation therapy can treat prostate cancer, click here.