Georges Hall local, John Hilton is the first patient treated for prostate cancer at the centre under Radiation Oncologist, Dr Anupam Chaudhuri.
Revesby cancer patients receive access to closer-to-home treatment for prostate cancer
To coincide with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September 2022, the team at Icon Cancer Centre Revesby treated their first prostate cancer patient.
“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer eight years ago. I had no symptoms in the beginning, and I was lucky it was discovered. I was experiencing pain in the kidney, and I was sent to have an ultrasound. The person doing the scan seen that the prostate was enlarged and from there I was sent to have the necessary tests and biopsies. From there it was a watch and wait scenario and for seven years, it didn’t progress. I had a blood test just before Christmas last year and things were good. My PSA level had dropped by 4, which was good. But an MRI after Christmas picked up a change and my doctors decided it was best to have radiation therapy,” says John.
John underwent 20 sessions of radiation therapy at Icon Cancer Centre Revesby over four weeks.
“Thankfully I had no side effects. I’ve always been very active. I have a gym at home, and I still work out a few times a week to keep active. That hasn’t changed during my treatment. The team at Icon were outstanding. On my first visit, Dr Chaudhuri clearly explained what my treatment would involve and answered all of my questions. The team at Icon in Revesby are first class. Everyone is caring and compassionate. Dealing with cancer is never easy but they have made this journey a little easier. I’d like to think my story can serve as a reminder for men to keep an eye on their PSA levels and if they experience any symptoms, see their doctor straight away,” says John.
Dr Chaudhuri says offering prostate cancer treatment closer to home for patients like John is a big win for the community.
“We’re here to support these men and their families every step of the way, ensuring they don’t have the added burden of having to travel to the city during their treatment. We understand that a cancer diagnosis is difficult but by providing quality, local care from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, we can greatly reduce the burden on patients and improve their outcomes,” says Dr Chaudhuri.
As signs and symptoms for prostate cancer can be similar to other common conditions, it’s essential to see your GP or healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms. Discussing anything concerning with your doctor as soon as possible can help give you peace of mind and offer the best chance of successful treatment if you receive a prostate cancer diagnosis.
In the early stages of prostate cancer, you may not experience symptoms, but as the disease progresses you may experience some or all of the following:In the early stages of prostate cancer, you may not experience symptoms, but as the disease progresses you may experience some or all of the following:
- Frequent need to urinate
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Sudden urge to urinate
- Reduced flow of urine
- Blood in urine or semen
- Lower back pain or pain in the hip area
- Unexplained weight-loss and fatigue.
For more information, visit iconcancercentre.com.au/cancer/prostate
Become a patient
Find out how to become a patient at Icon Cancer Centre, or request more information from your nearest centre.
Doctors
Icon brings together some of Australia’s most experienced medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and haematologists.
Prostate cancer
Learn more about prostate cancer in Australia, including signs and symptoms, stages and frequently asked questions.
Understanding treatment
There are many different treatment options for prostate cancer. Find out more about common treatments for prostate cancer here.