MCG Offers New Prostate Cancer Support Group

Augusta, Ga. -- Nearly 180,000 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society. And while support has been found to significantly affect a cancer patient's well-being, men are less likely to seek such support.

Dr. Alan Roberts, an internist and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at MCG, has firsthand knowledge of the disease; he was diagnosed with it in 1999. He saw the need to provide an open forum where survivors could discuss both medical and non-medical topics and build a network of support.

"Patients and sometimes even doctors are uncomfortable discussing the sensitive issues involved in the treatment of prostate cancer," said Dr. Roberts. "As both a physician and a patient, I felt the need to be more proactive in addressing the concerns of this group of patients, by providing an opportunity for frank discussion as well as education on treatment options and side effects."

The MCG Prostate Cancer Group will hold its inaugural meeting on February 12 at 7 p.m. in the Surgery Auditorium, 4th floor, Sydenstricker wing (enter through Harper Street entrance under the VA crosswalk and follow signs). Dr. Roberts and Dr. Martha Terris, a urologic oncologist who specializes in prostate cancer, will guide the first meeting. Topics will include nutrition and prostate cancer, the need for and potential benefits of a support group and a discussion of topics for future meetings. The meeting is open to anyone who has been affected by prostate cancer.

Those interested in joining the group are asked to RSVP to Lynda Sims at 706-721-4078.

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care.