The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia campaign, known as Walk for Him, will coincide with Men’s Health Week from June 10 to 16.
“Over the past five years alone, more than 120,000 Australian men have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and, tragically, more than 18,000 have died from the disease,” Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia chief executive officer Anne Savage said.
“It’s a disease that takes a significant toll not just on men but also on their partners and families, on their communities, and on the health of the nation.
“With more than 250,000 Australians impacted by a prostate cancer diagnosis, and more than 25,000 men likely to be diagnosed this year, community action is key to saving lives.”
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, accounting for more hospitalisations than any other type of cancer.
“The cost of treating prostate cancer in Australia each year is over $1.35 billion – a figure that continues to rise as more and more men are diagnosed,” Ms Savage said.
“Our aim is to bring men and women impacted by prostate cancer together during Men’s Health Week to raise $250,000 in the Walk for Him.
“All funds raised will go towards supporting men and their families, funding clinical trials, prostate cancer nurses, and our nationwide telenursing service.
“With one in five Australian men likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, joint action has never been so important.”
To sign up, go to www.walkforhim.org.au
For more information and to find a local support group, call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.prostate.org.au
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