Allan Sudholz got involved with a prostate cancer support group after his doctor diagnosed him with the disease in 2008.
Camera IconAllan Sudholz got involved with a prostate cancer support group after his doctor diagnosed him with the disease in 2008. Credit: Supplied/Marcelo Palacios

Help available for disease

Sam Gibbs, Canning TimesCanning Gazette

Southsiders Prostate Cancer Support Group team leader Allan Sudholz (64) said men needed to be aware of the risks of the disease and that help was available.

‘Whenever I talk to somebody with prostate cancer I tell them to get to a support group,’ he said.

‘Men need to be aware that help is available.

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‘The group lets people know what to expect and help normalise the experiences they are having.’

Mr Sudholz said he became involved in the group after his doctor diagnosed him with prostate cancer in May 2008.

‘I got there before having treatment so I knew what to expect,’ he said. ‘I am clear of it now but I’m still on six-monthly PSA (prostate specific antigen) test.’

Shelley man Bill O’Brien said he joined the group in 2011 and Mr Sudholz helped him understand what he was going through.

‘That’s a nice thing to have when you aren’t sure what could happen to you,’ he said.

‘I still keep in touch with Allan even though I find it difficult to get to meetings because life is so busy.’

Mr Sudholz said men over 50 should ask their doctor about being checked for prostate cancer. Anyone interested in joining the group can contact Mr Sudholz on 0418 919 212 or 9398 9926.