A new group to support those affected by prostate cancer is beginning its first full year and is inviting men who are diagnosed and their family members.
The Cardinia Prostate Cancer Support Group held its first meeting in September 2025 and is set to begin the new year in February.
The group’s purpose is to provide a space for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and undergoing treatment to support each other.
Founding group leader Span Hanna was diagnosed five years ago and continues to undergo rounds of radiotherapy.
He joined the Dandenong sub-group four years ago, where he became leader in 2023.
The Pakenham local was approached by Cardinia Shire Council’s Ageing Well service to start a local group.
“The basic idea of the groups is that it’s a safe, neutral space for men and their families,” he said.
“They can share their experiences with other men who have been through treatment or who are newly diagnosed, like I was a few years ago.”
The group runs monthly meetings that include meet-ups of members and presentations by experts.
The meet-ups allow members to talk through experiences and offer support, while the presentations range from current research to health advice.
“We’ve got a researcher from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia who is going to give a talk, and a radiation oncologist from Berwick who has volunteered to come along.
“So we’re trying to give people a bit of insight from the professional community.”
The group is not exclusive. Many are welcome, including women. The group accepts those who are affected by a family member’s diagnosis, as well as people who want to learn more about men’s health.
The only condition is confidentiality and respect for the many personal matters discussed during the meetings.
Meetings are held from 7pm – 8:30pm on the first Thursday of each month at the Outlook Community Centre, 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham.
The first meeting of 2026 will be held on Thursday 5 February.
You can contact the group at cardyprostate@outlook.com
