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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday September 15, 2007 - 35 Sharing the journey of prostate cancer By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF lot of men are keeping something hidden -- the fact that they have prostate cancer. It's not hidden this week, which is Prostate Cancer Awareness Week, or at the support group long-time Oakville teacher Paul Taylor runs on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society, Oakville Unit on the second Tuesday of the month. It's there that men -- survivors and those newly diagnosed -- and their spouses gather to get information, share experiences and learn new things. Those attending also get to sample a variety of interesting refreshments -- low salt tomato juice to blueberry or pomegranate juices, rather than tea or coffee. The reason why is that the nutrients of those beverages are encouraged for those who have prostate cancer. "There are always interesting refreshments," said Taylor, a retired teacher who took it upon himself to run the support group with the local Canadian Cancer Society unit to fill an obvious gap. After only a year in operation -- the group meets from 7-9 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the local Cancer Society office located at 635 Fourth Line, Unit 51 -- its success has been noted. It will attract more than a dozen people each meeting, sometimes two dozen and on the occasion when there are guest speakers, the venue has had to be moved to ensure larger accommodation. Not long after starting it, A Paul Taylor Taylor had no qualms about inviting spouses to attend and that has been a popular feature. Taylor notes wives participate in the group, always have something to add and are keen to be involved. Last year, when Milton resident and dietitian Pamela Piotrowski spoke, about 40 people showed up. "Every meeting we've had, fail none, there has been someone there for the first time, newly diagnosed," said Taylor. "Sometimes they're calm and collected, but quite often they're frantic and searching for information. They're in crisis mode and their anxiety level is right off the map," he said. "We provide resource material, answer questions and mentor them," said Taylor, noting that after a year in operation, there is a core of people who attend regularly and it has become a network that's almost like a family. According to Taylor, prostate cancer is more prevalent than breast cancer -- one in seven men will be diagnosed in his lifetime, while one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. While breast cancer has a high profile -- and is the third leading cause of death by cancer with prostate cancer being fourth (after colon and lung cancer) Taylor said prostate cancer is something that is often not discussed. Many men, who are survivors, will simply move on with their lives. Many men don't take the tests that could lead to early detection. Taylor is a survivor. He knows first-hand what it's like. He was among the one per cent diagnosed under age 50. He was diagnosed at age 48 and had surgery in 1998. Then, fearing for what time he had left, he retired early at age 54 to fully live, only to discover that it can be boring at times, so he returned to contract teaching -- and leading the cancer support group. Those diagnosed with prostate cancer will hear lots of medical terminology and related jargon. They'll have three options -- either active surveillance, radiation or surgery. "I always say, give a gift to yourself or your loved one, get a physical, get a yearly physical, get a complete physical," said Taylor, noting often there aren't apparent symptoms and many men aren't diagnosed until they're in advanced stages of the disease. "You just don't want to walk down that path," said Taylor. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian men. In 2007, an estimated 22,300 men will be diagnosed with it and an estimated 4,300 will die of it. There is no single cause, but some factors appear to increase its risk including: age, family history, and African ancestry. The effects of diet, especially "Quite often they're frantic and searching for information. They're in crisis mode and their anxiety level is right off the map." Paul Taylor, prostate cancer survivor a high fat diet, obesity, inactivity and working with cadmium are being studied. Some men however develop it without any of these risk factors. Prostate cancer is often slow growing and can be managed successfully. Tests can be used for early detection. Men should check with their doctor if they experience frequent, difficult or painful urination, urine or semen that contains blood or pus, pain in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs, or pain during ejaculation. For information about cancer visit www.cancer.ca or, to contact Taylor call the Oakville office at 905-845-5231. AWAITING SURGERY? Come and find out how to prepare while you wait for your surgery You are invited to attend a Presurgical Evening of Doctor's Presentations & Information: "The Silver Lining of Surgical Wait Times" The Credit Valley Hospital Wednesday, September 19th 6:30 ­ 8:30 pm elective surgery in the future Of interest to anyone who is currently awaiting or contemplating Free Admission To reserve a seat, please call the RSVP line at 905-813-4480