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We describe the first reported case of spotted fever group rickettsiosis in Western Australia, and two cases of probable Rickettsia honei from a new geographic focus. These findings highlight the need to raise awareness of ricksettsial infection among local clinicians as well as those treating visitors to this region, important for outdoor recreation.
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OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the current level of understanding among older men about prostate cancer, including treatment options and their potential side effects. DESIGN AND SETTING: Questionnaires administered by general practitioners in five general practices in the Perth metropolitan and regional areas of Western Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 503 men aged 40-80 years, with or without prostate cancer, presenting for routine consultations between January and August 2006. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Knowledge and attitudes of men about prostate cancer, and predictors of knowledge. RESULTS: Eighty per cent of men did not know the function of the prostate, and 48% failed to identify prostate cancer as the most common internal cancer in men. Thirty-five per cent had no knowledge of the treatments for prostate cancer and 53% had no knowledge of the side effects of treatments. Asked how they would arrive at a decision about treatment, 70% said they would ask the GP or specialist for information on all their options and then decide themselves. CONCLUSION: There is a deficit in knowledge about prostate cancer among men in the at-risk age group, encompassing areas that could delay diagnosis and treatment. Overall, the men preferred some GP or specialist involvement in treatment decision making.