Portable bladder scanner saving people from prostate cancer

The diagnostic piece of equipment assesses whether someone is having problems emptying their bladder, which is a major problem for people with prostate cancer.

The whole region would benefit from the scanner, Tamworth Community Health Centre nurse practitioner Lorraine Dickson said, as it would travel with her to Manilla, Barraba, Werris Creek, Walcha, Gunnedah and Quirindi.

“I have a fellow at the moment who I found wasn’t emptying his bladder properly, referred him to the urologist and he’s having prostate surgery later this month,” Dr Dickson said.

“They don’t always know they’re not emptying their bladder properly either – not that they ignore, it just happens so slowly they don’t realise.” 

Tamworth Prostate Cancer Support Group president Pat van Tilburg said it was a “great pleasure” to donate the machine, which was worth more than $17,400.

“This money has been raised by a number of organisations – local Lions and Rotary clubs, and Regional Bank through its community partnership program, along with individual donations from members of the public,” Ms van Tilburg said. 

Tamworth prostate cancer survivor and member of the support group, Warren McDonald, said men were less likely to talk about their problems.

“There is a danger of later diagnosis because of that,” Mr McDonald said.

“Early diagnosis of prostate cancer is extremely important and this will certainly help with that.”

He was diagnosed, and beat, prostate cancer 14 years ago, and joined the Tamworth Prostate Cancer Support Group to help others facing the same battle.

“People who have had prostate cancer often need to talk to other people who have been through the same journey,” he said

The group meets at Tamworth Cancer Council on the second Wednesday of every month at 2pm.