Greater Lynn Prostate Cancer Support Group has holiday party Wednesday

LYNN – The Prostate Cancer Survivors’ Education and Support Group, sponsored by Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS) with generous funding from the Lynn Cancer Association, will hold its annual holiday gathering and celebration on Wednesday, at the Congregation Shirat Hayam of the North Shore, 55 Atlantic Avenue in Swampscott, beginning at 10 a.m.The public is invited to this event, and new members, their spouses, significant others, and caregivers are always welcome to attend any of the Support Group’s monthly meetings. A continental breakfast and refreshments will be served.Holly Jarrell-Marcinelli, LICSW, GLSS’ Mental Health Program Manager, will speak on the topic “Recognizing Stress and Depression” at 10:30 a.m. “The changes that occur in our lives as we age, including illnesses or adjustments in financial or family status, can cause a lot of stress and anxiety,” said Jarrell-Marcinelli. “The program will address how to recognize the signs of stress and depression especially in older adults and how these issues affect men in particular.” Studies have shown that as many as 20%n30% of senior citizens are living with untreated depression and anxiety.The Support Group, which meets on a monthly basis, provides opportunities for men to share experiences and the latest information on research and treatments. The group also provides a forum for those newly diagnosed with prostate cancer in which they can talk with other men who have had to make similar decisions about their health. For more information about the group or the meeting, contact the facilitator, Marion Garfinkel, R.N., at 781-599-0110 Ext. 655.Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United States. One in six American men is at lifetime risk of prostate cancer. If a close relative has prostate cancer, a man’s risk of the disease more than doubles, so it is vital that men discuss risk factors and screening options with their doctors. African American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world.