Photos: Supplied.
Richard Tetley has confronted and overcome cancer three times – and he’s turned his experience to a good cause, volunteering with the Redlands Men’s Cancer Support Group as its publicity and welfare officer. A major part of his responsibility is speaking to men’s community groups; as a self-confessed “people person” with 16 years of experience on air at radio Bay FM, he’s the obvious choice for the role.
“A support group specifically for men is important,” he says.
“Some of the issues with cancer are very personal and men aren’t always comfortable speaking about their personal feelings. We don’t offer medical advice or anything like that, but we offer support, no matter what cancer they’re going through. If they come along to a meeting, they can share what their problem is – a problem shared is a problem halved, and there’s bound to be someone in the group who’s had a similar experience. Then they can get together, have a chat, and work on ways to get through it.”
Richard says that a cancer diagnosis can trigger many complex emotional responses.
“Your first reaction when you’re diagnosed is oh, well, that’s it; will I survive? There’s a sense of loss and fear of the unknown, and if it’s prostate cancer, there’s the possibility of erectile dysfunction. You grieve, but you don’t have to grieve alone; you can grieve with your family, or you can come along to a group like ours and just have someone to talk to – and sometimes that’s all you need.”
Richard says that self-confidence can take a hammering, but that for him, having a sense of humour and his faith really helped.
“You have to believe in yourself and know that you’re not alone; there’s a support group that cares, they’ve been on that journey.”
In helping the men, the group also takes some of the load off their partners, who are included in some of the social events like morning teas the group organises. The group sometimes sets up a stall in a shopping centre, complete with banners, leaflets, and friendly faces. The group is affiliated with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, and September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Look out for a flashing blue light in a shopping mall near you!
Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at Victoria Point Library. For more information, call Richard on 0410 722 261.
