Canobolas Lions Club wants diagnosing and treating prostate cancer to be easier.
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They’re planning a fundraiser where they walk 50 kilometres on November 25 to make it possible.
Their plan is to purchase a grid-guided transperineal biopsy machine – something that’s only available to patients in Sydney.
It uses ultrasound technology to make biopsies easier.
Urological surgeon Tim Nicholson said the machine would be another step forward for Orange hospital to deliver world-class care.
“The new equipment will mean we can perform prostate biopsy using the latest techniques without having to cross the wall of the bowel therefore minimising the risk of infection,” Dr Nicholson said.
“This is a sophisticated technique that will not only reduce the risk of complications from biopsies, but will also allow for other procedures to be performed which will reduce the side effects of radiation treatment. “
However, the equipment costs $170,000.
Club president Norman Bembrick said Lynn Ward had helped the club raise $40,000 which has since grown to $55,000 with $85,000 targeted.
That won’t be enough on its own and Mr Bembrick said the goal was to access a dollar for dollar contribution from the International Lions Club Foundation to reach $170,000.
“If we can get the dollar for dollar from International Lions Club Foundation, every dollar raised becomes two,” he said.
“Like all medical treatment, going to Sydney is a lot harder, we want to bring the machine to the Central West.
“We have contacted 17 Lions Club to get involved as it will benefit their communities.”
Mr Bembrick said Grenfell Lions donated $1000 after being contacted.
Mr Bembrick was hopeful a government grant would provide funds but hoped Orange would support the fundraiser in the meantime.
“We have to raise the money, otherwise it will drag on. We want to complement the existing [cancer treatment] service as they attract thousands of people from across western NSW,” he said.
“Once we get the equipment our next project will be to encourage people to use it.”
Mr Bembrick said community members didn’t have to walk on November 25 but could lend support with a donation.
“We are grateful to the Canobolas Lions Club and Ms Lynn Ward for their generous support of the Orange Health Service,” Dr Nicholson said.
WALK AND TALK
- Canobolas Lions Club relay
- Saturday, November 25
- Gosling Creek Reserve
- Contact Mr Bembrick 0428 673 529.