September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness of a disease that claims the life of over 3,300 men in Australia each year.
“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, with approximately 21,000 men expected to be diagnosed in 2014.” Cancer Australia CEO, Professor Helen Zorbas said.
“People diagnosed with prostate cancer in Australia experience among the highest survival rates in the world, with 92 out of every 100 men surviving five years after diagnosis.”
“To help those diagnosed with the disease, Cancer Australia has provided $3.97 million funding over three years to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia to ensure men have the information and support they need to navigate their cancer journey.”
For the first time, evidence-based resources are being developed for men with specific needs, including men with advanced prostate cancer, younger men, gay and bisexual men, partners and carers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
The funding provided by Cancer Australia to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is helping establish:
- Up to 90 new peer support groups, with a focus on rural and regional areas
- Evidence-based resources and support kits for men diagnosed with prostate cancer
- An online communication hub that allows men to better navigate the patient journey
The results of recent studies found that men with prostate cancer, their partners and carers had a high need for information following diagnosis.
“The development of these resources, tools and support groups will help men diagnosed with prostate cancer, and their families, better understand the disease, as well as giving them access to the latest information, support and treatment options available to them.” Professor Zorbas said.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO, Associate Professor Anthony Lowe said
“We are delighted to be partnering with Cancer Australia to develop these resources. The resources meet the specific information needs of these groups which helps in reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men, their partners, families and the wider community”
For more information on any of the new resources, please visit Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
For more information on prostate cancer, please visit Cancer Australia's prostate cancer information.
Media contact:
Simon Thomas (02) 9357 9401 or 0438 209 833