Background and Context:
In Australia, prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in the male population, and accounts for 25-30% of cancer diagnosed each year in men. In almost all research conducted to examine issues affecting men with prostate cancer, the specific needs of gay and bisexual men are often not considered.
Aim:
In redressing this situation, through its Gay and Bisexual Men’s Prostate Cancer Initiative, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) has commissioned research studies into the needs of gay and bisexual men pertaining to prostate cancer information and support.
Strategy/Tactics:
Findings from these studies showed that there is a dearth of information resources and support specifically for gay and bisexual men living with prostate cancer. These findings informed the work of PCFA in its effort to ensure appropriate support services are available for gay and bisexual men with prostate cancer.
Programme/Policy Process:
This presentation discusses the steps PCFA had taken to establish prostate cancer support groups specifically for gay and bisexual men, including the process of identifying localities, conducting community consultations, and providing ongoing support to the leaders of these support groups.
Outcomes/What was learned:
Six support groups specifically for gay and bisexual men have been established in Darwin, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Work is continuing to establish groups in regional areas where there are identified unmet needs.