Guests: Colin Beaton and John Crimmins (Griffith Prostate Cancer Support group)
Mary-Anne Lattimore
******************************
Griffith Prostate Cancer Support Group (GPCSG)
The GPCSG is an active group in Griffith that provides support to those diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in Griffith and surrounding areas and also provides prostate cancer awareness for men in the region. There are few such groups in southern NSW, so they cover a large area. Leeton Rotary was asked for a letter of support for their fundraising efforts and so we became aware of their work.
One in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Early diagnosis is important. For early detection, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%, For men diagnosed at stage 4, the five-year survival rate is just 36%.
A simple PSA blood test is our first-line defence in the early detection of prostate cancer. Your GP can order the test for you. Medicare covers the cost of one PSA test a year for men who are at a high risk of prostate cancer and one PSA test every two years for men at an average risk of the disease. What is a PSA test? Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate that can be used to test for and monitor prostate cancer. It can be produced by both normal and cancerous cells, whereby higher than normal levels may be a sign of prostate cancer. For men, it is recommended that:
If you have no family history of prostate cancer, commence PSA testing every two years from the age of 50, and see your GP if you develop any symptoms in the meantime.
If you have a higher risk of prostate cancer because of your genetics or family history, consider PSA testing every year from the age 40 or 45, depending on the strength of your family history.
If you haven’t started PSA testing yet, consider getting a baseline PSA test based on your individual risk level, to help inform early detection.
There are 4 known risk factors for Prostate cancer:
1. Age 40+ 2. Family history (father/brother diagnosed) 3. Genetics (BRCA1/2) 4. Ethnicity (African ancestry)
John and Colin went on to talk about incontinence and the travel assistance scheme.The bulletin editor has a copy of their PowerPoint if any reader needs further information.
PP Carmel thanked them on behalf of the members.
******************************
Brain Teaser
Can you name the three playing cards that have been placed in a row using the following clues? There is a two to the right of a king. A diamond will be found to the left of a spade. An ace is to the left of a heart. A heart is to the left of a spade.
******************************
Director’s Reports
PP Carmel
Board meeting 22nd October at the Beecher’s
Laurie
Chill and Grill 18th October. Can get on site from 11 am (I may need a couple of members to help get the BBQ in place): There will be 3 sessions – at 1.30pm; 4.00 pm; 7.00 pm. Not sure how it will go as there is a lot of food competition.
******************************
Sergeant George
George didn’t miss many in the room. He showed up our lack of knowledge of the MIA (he had just attended the MDB Association Conference). He was also quick to point out (as usual) that the members need to brush up on their Rotary knowledge before a George Sergeant Session.
Raffle was won by Eric.
******************************
Market Day – 4 October
It was a magnificent Saturday, weather-wise. It looked for a long time that there would be very few customers, but a late surge helped us to dispose of much of our supplies. Particular thanks to Geoff, Eric, Greg and Aaron for service above and beyond. Carmel also pitched in with the clean the late session to lift our spirits when we were flagging.
Hard at Work
*****************************
More Irish
A Texan walks into a pub in Ireland.
He says, "I hear you Irish are a bunch of hard drinkers. I'll give $500 American dollars to anybody in here who can drink 10 pints of Guinness back-to-back."
The room is quiet, and no one takes up the Texan's offer. One man even leaves.
Thirty minutes later the same gentleman who left shows back up and taps the elderly Texan on the shoulder. "Is your bet still good?" asks the Irishman.
The Texan says yes and asks the barkeep to line up 10 pints of Guinness. Immediately the Irishman tears into all 10 of the pint glasses, drinking them all back-to-back.
The other pub patrons cheer as the Texan sits in amazement. The Texan gives the Irishman the $500 and says, "If ya don't mind me askin', where did you go for that 30 minutes you were gone?"
The Irishman replies, "Oh... I had to go to the pub down the street to see if I could do it first."
A: Ace of diamonds, king of hearts and two of spades.
