Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance (HPCA) is a charity dedicated to raising awareness of prostate cancer and providing a free counselling service to affected men and their families.
The organisation was established in 2007 to assist individuals, couples and families with information about prostate cancer. We have a threefold aim.
Our threefold objective is to:
- Raise awareness of prostate cancer, through workplace presentations and community events.
- Encourage early detection, through a simple blood test called PSA which may, with further testing, enable an early diagnosis of prostate cancer, thus increasing the likelihood of a full cure.
- Provide a free counselling service and support for men and their families who are facing a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Snapshot
Demand for HPCA’s service in all diagnostic groups increased as compared to the previous year’s results. Newly diagnosed, established and “other” groups all recorded increases by approximately 10%, but the pre-diagnosis group demonstrated an almost 9 fold increase, suggesting that last year’s efforts to stimulate interest from that group were certainly effective.
A Brief Look at HPCA Statistics 2013-2014
- 1719 people were reached via presentations to community and business groups, with 301 of these seeking further face-to-face contacts.
- 374 contacts were made pre diagnoses, such as enquiries around prostate issues causing concern (e.g. urinary, bladder, sexual function).
- 101 newly diagnosed men and their partners received free counselling.
- 112 clients indicated having advanced prostate cancer.
- Developed working relationships with 162 GP practices and 76 allied health professionals.
- Over 30 community groups received presentations on prostate cancer and men’s health issues.
- Developed relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services.
- Played a key role at the Reconciliation Day event in Newcastle, providing valuable information about prostate cancer and men’s health issues.
- 17% of males making contact with HPCA were accompanied by a significant female accomplice; with many more reporting they had been coerced to attend by a significant female.
- New general counselling service, Procare, saw 65 new clients, and conducted 121 sessions between March and June.