September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and participants will be running, walking and riding 72km in support of men with prostate cancer, aiming to raise awareness and funds for research and support services.
With nearly 70 men diagnosed with prostate cancer per day in Australia, Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Ruben Hiller said action was urgently needed. “Men with prostate cancer face a 70 per cent increased risk of suicide death, and 72 per cent of men do not access support for their mental health concerns.
“That’s why we’re running 72km – to raise awareness of the impact of prostate cancer and the services available to support men diagnosed with prostate cancer,” he said.
Early detection is the key to survival. Ruben said compared to many areas in Australia, men in the Far West region are older and the health services are often further away. “Getting the timely treatment our men need is more complex when distance is involved. This is why it is important to raise awareness for our men to get checked early. Specialist nurses play a critical role in providing the right guidance and support.
“From the point of diagnosis, we offer expert education and information about treatment plans, referrals to services both in the hospital and community, and provide an ongoing point of contact and support for men and families,” he said. “The community can take action by joining The Long Run and raising funds to enable these vital services to continue.”
For information about Prostate Cancer call PCFA on 1800 22 00 99 or call Ruben directly on 08 8080 2272. Visit the website for more information, www.pcfa.org.au
Register to join The Long Run now via thelongrun.org.au or to support Ruben with his fundraising efforts go to https://www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/rubenhillier/