Men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the Baw Baw region now have a group they can turn to for information and support to help them through a diagnosis.
The Baw Baw Prostate Cancer Support Group will kick off on March 9, and will continue to meet on the second Wednesday of every month at the Warragul Sporting Social Club at 2pm.
The group, supported by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), was launched by prostate cancer survivor and advocate, Linton Blackwell, and his wife Pam.
Mr Blackwell was involved in leading a support group in Bairnsdale for many years, before relocating to Moe.
"There is a real need in this area - we discovered there was no group between the Latrobe Valley group and the Dandenong group, so this was a no brainer," he said.
"Prostate cancer impacts one in six men in their lifetime so we know there are many men in the area who could benefit from the support of others who understand what they're going through."
The Baw Baw Support Group is also open to partners of men impacted by prostate cancer.
"We think it's extremely important to engage both men and their partners on their journey, and encourage them to open up and talk about their journey and fears," Mr Blackwell said.
"As a 10-year survivor, I can show them there is hope beyond a diagnosis, and Pam can talk to partners and reassure them about what they're also experiencing."
