Functional urology education webinar from the PCFA Affiliated Shine a Light Prostate Cancer Support Group in Sydney. Professor Vincent Tse, Functional Urologist (Sydney, Australia) speaks about treatment options for those with urination troubles following prostatectomy and radiation for prostate cancer. A panel discussion follows with people who have had lived experience with a sling and artificial urinary sphincter.

PCFA Educational Webinar: The link between Exercise Physiology and Prostate Cancer

(Tuesday 27th July 2021)

Can exercise really help after a prostate cancer diagnosis? Research has found that exercise not only has physical benefits for men with prostate cancer and treatment-related symptoms, but it also helps to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Professor Daniel Galvão joined us for an educational webinar, providing an in-depth look at how the use of exercise physiology can aid with prostate cancer management from Androgen Deprivation Therapy side effects to managing fatigue.

As the Exercise Science and Director at the Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Professor Galvão’s research programs focus on applications of exercise as medicine for the prevention and management of cancer treatment side effects and survival.

His research has received funding from NHMRC, Cancer Australia, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, has been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, European Urology, and Nature Reviews Urology. He has also co-authored the Exercise and Sports Science Australia position stand in exercise and cancer (2009) and the American College of Sports Medicine’s exercise guidelines for cancer survivors (2010).

During the webinar, Professor Galvão covers:

- Exercise timing and function at the onset of Androgen Deprivation Therapy

- Different modes of exercise during radiation that impact on fatigue

- Individual patient response to resistance-based exercise during Androgen Deprivation Therapy

- Weight loss (exercise/nutrition) program prior to prostatectomy

- Exercise and nutrition intervention in men treated with Androgen Deprivation Therapy

- Exercise dosage in men with prostate cancer

- Pre-clinical study on exercise during radiation therapy in prostate cancer

To access further resources and support contact PCFA on 1800 22 00 99

Newly diagnosed? or need to find more information - Access the PCFA resources here

If you would like to find an accredited exercise professional near you, please use the ESSA search function located here: https://www.essa.org.au/Public/find-aep.aspx 

Urinary incontinence, or leakage, is to be expected after prostate surgery. It may be a mild problem, needing pads to manage it for only a few weeks, or more severe and requiring protective pads for up to a year. The pelvic floor muscles control the bladder and flow of urine. Exercising them effectively will help men regain bladder control earlier. Ideally, the exercises are started before surgery, but they can also help bladder control if started after surgery.

Check out the video below of Thomas Harris a Men's Health Physiotherapist discussing the importance of the male pelvic floor along with an introduction to a pelvic floor muscle routine. Attached to this post is a PDF downloadable file of the APA (Australian Physiotherapy Association) and PCFA resources booklet "Physiotherapy before and after prostate cancer surgery".

For more information on finding your local continence physiotherapist contact the PCFA Prostate Cancer Specialist Telenurse Team on 1800 22 00 99.

In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, we at PCFA dared to try something different - Live broadcast an Ask The Experts Webcast. With travel restrictions and lockdowns all over the country, we still managed to bring together experts and delivered an educational webcast on Urinary Challenges in Prostate Cancer.

During this live and interactive webinar, Dr Gillman provides realistic expectations and up-to-date pharmaceutical information surrounding management of sexual side effects of prostate cancer treatment.

Men's Health Physiotherapist Thomas Harris of Target Physiotherapy Brisbane discussing the anatomy, functionality, and importance of pelvic floor exercises for men affected by prostate cancer.

Mr David Shillington - Positive mental health & wellbeing (Virtual Community Conversations 2020)

Prof Daniel Galvao-Exercise across prostate cancer trajectory (Virtual Community Conversations 2020)

Mr Ross Campbell - A survivors experience of exercise (Virtual Community Conversations 2020)