MEDIA RELEASE BY THE PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION OF AUSTRALIA
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer)
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) encourages men aged 50-years and over to talk to their doctor about prostate cancer.
It’s a simple step that can save lives.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, it is estimated that in 2010 alone, almost 20,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Tragically, more than 3,300 men will lose their life to this disease¹.
Yet, Australians generally know very little about prostate cancer, if there are symptoms, or even if they or their loved ones are at risk. The disturbing facts are, the average Australian male has a 1 in 5 risk of developing prostate cancer by the age of 85¹, and men in rural and regional Australia have a 21% higher prostate cancer mortality rate than men in capital cities.
Mr Andrew Giles, Chief Executive of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia says, if detected in the early stages, prostate cancer is often treatable and curable. However, because there are very few symptoms in these important early stages, diagnosis is often delayed.
“This is why we encourage men, particularly those aged 50-years and over, not to wait until they think they are experiencing prostate cancer symptoms. Take responsibility for your own health and make talking to your doctor about prostate cancer a priority on your check-up checklist. It’s a simple step, and it can save lives,” said Mr Giles.
For further information about prostate cancer, talk to your GP or contact the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia by calling the toll free number, 1800 22 00 99, or visit www.prostate.org.au
MEDIA CONTACT
If you require further information or would like to speak to a representative of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, please contact Karina Candia at Palin Communications on 02 9412 2255.
31 August 2010
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