The Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham will light up blue every night in September, in support of local men and families with prostate cancer.
The initiative, acknowledging Prostate Cancer Awareness Month which runs throughout September, has been organised by the newly formed Cardinia Prostate Cancer Support Group, in a bid to improve local awareness and connect men with much needed support.
Group Leader, Span Hanna, urged men and families to reach out.
“We’d love to see everyone get behind us and get active in the fight against prostate cancer during September.
“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in our local region, affects one in five Australian men, and is the second biggest killer of Australian men after lung cancer. Sadly, many men and families lack the support they need to cope with the diagnosis.
“Our hope is to raise greater awareness of prostate cancer, strongly encourage early detection, and connect with men in our community who may need support.
“There are over 30 such groups in Victoria, providing men and their partners with information about prostate cancer, and the type of comfort that can only come from solidarity with others who have been through the disease.”
The Cardinia Prostate Cancer Support Group is affiliated with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, and was formed as an initiative of Cardinia Council’s Aging Well program. The support group will hold its first meeting on Thursday 4 September, from 7 pm to 8.30 pm, at Outlook Community Centre, 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham. Thanks to the generous support of Outlook, the group will meet on the first Thursday of each month thereafter.
PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, said peer support was vital to survivorship.
“Members of support groups know the difference that face-to-face support can make when a diagnosis of prostate cancer strikes.
“We strongly urge local men and families to connect with the Group and get involved in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month by helping us raise awareness of early detection.”
People wishing to contact the Support Group can call 0422 917 386 or email cardyprostate@outlook.com.
To get involved in PCFA’s other campaigns for September, visit www.thelongrun.org.au.
For more information on prostate cancer, visit www.prostate.org.au or call PCFA on 1800 22 00 99.
Statistics
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, accounting for 16% of all cancers diagnosed and for nearly 1 in 3 of all cancers diagnosed among men.
Each year, more than 26,000 Australian men are diagnosed, and nearly 4,000 Australian men will die from the disease.
in 5 Australian men are likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Over 275,000 Australian men are alive today after a diagnosis of prostate cancer in the past 40 years.
Regional men in Australia have a 24% higher risk of death compared to their urban counterparts.
