1. What inspired the creation of the Advanced Prostate Cancer Network - Zoom Support Group, and why was an online format important?
The foundation of the APCN goes back to 2009. In August, discussions on advanced prostate cancer began as a subgroup of the Brisbane Prostate Cancer Support Group. Then one year later, three PCFA members, Jim Marshall from Brisbane, Alan Barlee from Geelong and Tony Maxwell from Sydney, met at a large prostate cancer conference on the Gold Coast and decided to create a support group for men with advanced prostate cancer.
Normal support groups tended to emphasise and address the important matter of newly diagnosed localised disease, but perhaps ignored the also difficult issue of terminal advanced disease. The decision was made to commence an Advanced Prostate Cancer Support Group as a national monthly phone-in meeting.
This operated successfully for many years and was later replaced with a ZOOM format. Over the years, Jim Marshall set up various online forums and websites to further assist discussions on advanced disease. Unfortunately, Jim Marshall and Nev Black were unable to continue coordinating the group due to health reasons.
In 2025, Ross Chapman, along with Tony Maxwell, Alan Barlee, Gabriel Lacoba, and Tony Sheehan, launched the current Advanced Prostate Cancer Network (APCN) as a fully online Zoom network. This new APCN aims to continue and build on the earlier efforts in this important space.
The original telephone-based format was instrumental in reaching men nationally, but the subsequent shift to Zoom was critical to enhance the experience and accessibility. Video conference via Zoom allows for:
- Improved Clarity: Better audibility compared to the old phone hook-ups.
- Greater Connection: Making the exchanges more personal and less isolating through visual contact.
Flexibility: Enabling the group to host specialist guest speakers from around the world easily.
2. Who is the group designed for, and what kind of support can participants expect?
The APCN is specifically designed for men with advanced prostate cancer, where the cancer has spread locally or metastasised to the lymph nodes, bone, or visceral organs. Men with high-risk disease, PSA of 20 or higher, and/or Grade Group 4-5 (Gleason 4+4 or higher) at biopsy are also welcome to participate in this group, and their partners or carers are welcome to participate as well.
Participants can expect a supportive environment built on "Patient empowerment through increasing knowledge and mateship." The core support includes:
- Peer Mateship: The ability to share stories, issues, and experiences with men who are on the same journey, providing a powerful antidote to isolation.
- Highly Informed Discussions: Focusing on critical questions about treatment options, side effects, and emerging research to help men maximise their chances of a long and high-quality life.
- Expert Speakers: Monthly meetings often feature specialist guest speakers from the treatment and research fields.
Active Advocacy: The Network actively engages in advocacy efforts, such as making submissions to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) for the fast-track approval of new, life-extending drugs and novel treatments.
3. How does the Zoom format benefit men who may feel isolated, anxious, or unable to attend in-person groups?
The Zoom format is a national lifeline that overcomes the geographical and physical barriers often faced by men with advanced PCa, offering three significant benefits:
- National Reach and Access: It connects men from all over Australia without the need for travel, which is often tricky due to treatment side effects, physical limitations, or simply the time and effort involved.
- Combats Isolation: For those who feel isolated or anxious, the ability to "zoom-in from home" is invaluable. Participants can choose to be an active speaker or be present as a listener until they feel ready to share, offering a low-pressure entry point to peer support.
- Specific Focus: It centralises support for the complex, lengthy, and uncertain journey of advanced PCa, offering a "roadmap" and shared understanding that can be hard to find in local, general support settings.
4. What makes this group especially valuable for men living with advanced prostate cancer?
The APCN is especially valuable because it is an informed and proactive group dedicated to maximising the quality of life and longevity for its members.
- Sharing evidence-based Knowledge: Members, many of whom are highly knowledgeable about their disease, regularly track the scientific and medical literature for research and clinical breakthroughs, giving participants access to information. (We are careful not to provide medical advice on individual cases. All participants need to seek out medical professionals for such advice.)
- Access to Expert Speakers in medical oncology and other related fields: Advanced PCa is a long and complex journey, often involving multiple specialists (Urologists, Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Palliative Care). Hearing from these experts in a shared experience helps men manage treatment uncertainties and develop strategies to navigate this complex medical system.
- A Focus on Living: The group's ethos is to help men "live with grace rather than die with the cancer," fostering a mindset that focuses on a meaningful and fulfilling life while managing the disease.
5. What message would you like to share with men who may be hesitant or unsure about joining?
Please don't face advanced prostate cancer alone-you don't have to.
This journey is long, complex, and uncertain, but connecting with other men who understand what you're going through is the most powerful resource you can find. Our group is built on a foundation of mateship, deep knowledge, and shared hope.
Whether you want to participate in discussions or listen and actively absorb the information, you will find a supportive, non-judgmental community. Take that first step and join our next meeting. We meet on the third Friday of each month, with meetings starting at 10.00am AEST (or AEDT).
