Winchester Hospital Offers Free Prostate Cancer Support Group on March 3

Winchester, Mass. — According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men, after lung cancer. It is estimated that one in six men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. This year alone, an estimated 192,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and nearly 27,400 men will die from the disease.
 
The death rate for prostate cancer is dropping, perhaps due to earlier detection. Those at greater risk for developing the disease tend to be over 65 years of age; African American; obese; eat a diet high in red meat or high-fat dairy products, but low in fruits and vegetables; and have a family history of the disease.
 
While the American Cancer Society does not recommend routine prostate cancer screening for all men at this time, patients should discuss the pros and cons of testing with their physician. Prostate cancer can often be detected early through testing the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood or performing a digital rectal exam (DRE). The American Cancer Society recommends an annual PSA blood test and DRE beginning as early as age 40 for men at high risk and beginning at age 50 for the general population.
 
The next session of Winchester Hospital’s free, monthly prostate cancer support group will take place on Wednesday, March 3, 7 to 8 p.m., through Winchester Hospital’s Community Health Institute. A chapter of Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network, the group will meet in the first floor Keating Conference Room of Baldwin Park I, 12 Alfred St. in Woburn.
 
The confidential support group is open to patients, companions, family members, friends, survivors, health care professionals and all others who have an interest in prostate disease. Some meetings are attended by a local cancer specialist.
 
“A prostate cancer support group isn’t just sitting in a room talking about cancer,” said Gary Halvorsen, coordinator of the support group. “You don’t need to feel overwhelmed, afraid or alone when you can discuss the uncertainties and challenges that lie ahead with others who are in a unique position to help you through the treatment experience,” he said. “Having a good outlook on life and being optimistic is the goal of all cancer support groups. This one makes the journey a lot less difficult.”
 
The support group meeting will be cancelled if the Woburn Public Schools are closed due to bad weather. For more information, call Gary Halvorsen at (781) 272-2546 or the Community Health Institute at (781) 756-4700.
 
About Winchester Hospital’s Community Health Institute
Winchester Hospital’s Community Health Institute is committed to helping community members take responsibility for their health and well-being by offering the education and resources that change lives. Established in 1996, the Community Health Institute provides more than 30 programs and services throughout the year, with offerings in disease management, childbirth, integrative therapies, fitness, yoga, Tai Chi/Qi Gong, CPR and first aid, weight management, career services and support groups. The institute is also home to two retail services: A Caring Place, which features wigs, bras, prostheses and head coverings for women living with cancer; and the Lactation Center Boutique, which offers the highest-quality breastfeeding supplies and support. Unless otherwise indicated within the program’s description, for more information or to register, please call the Community Health Institute at (781) 756-4700 or visit www.winchesterhospital.org.

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