Page 5471 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Why do we need Movember? Men make up 50 per cent of the population and, as the statistics show, we make up the majority of company boards. There are also more male than female doctors. We appear to have no difficulties in talking about ourselves in the political arena. However, when it comes to our health, we are suddenly silent. Movember is aimed at abolishing this silence and making it okay for men not only to talk openly about health issues, including physical and mental health, but also to ensure that much needed funding is targeted to these causes.
Movember in Australia shares the focus that it has raised equally between two foundations—beyondblue and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, both very worthy, established organisations in the men’s health arena. In 2010 prostate cancer once again, unfortunately, won itself the title of the most common cancer in Australia and the second greatest cancer killer of men in Australia. It is estimated that it will, unfortunately, take the title of the greatest cancer killer in men by 2015.
Before the end of 2010, it is estimated that 20,000 new cancers will be diagnosed in Australia alone. Sadly, of these, 3,300 men will die as a direct result of this cancer. To put that in perspective, every three hours a man dies of prostate cancer. However, this death rate can be mitigated by promotion and research. Not all prostate cancers are life threatening, and early detection is the key. A landmark Western Australian survey of over 5,000 men in October this year showed that almost 60 per cent of men were being diagnosed with prostate cancer too late. This rate was almost twice the rate of men in the USA.
The symptoms of prostate cancer are hard to detect, which is why regular check-ups for men are so important. The Cancer Council of Australia recommends that every man over the age of 50 have regular check-ups for prostate cancer. If men have a history of prostate cancer in their family, they should ensure they have regular check-ups from the age of 40. These regular check-ups are the key to the successful treatment of prostate cancer, as early detection ensures survival.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia works hard to ensure that its message gets out in the media by running campaigns and bringing in celebrity supporters like Bert Newton and Steve Waugh. They provide information in GP surgeries, in pharmacies and through other health professionals. They run men’s health information days and are prominent at community events. I also have some information in my office if anyone would like some.
Prostate cancer is an unknown for many men. Due to the silence that surrounds this issue, many men do not know the risks, what they should be doing to mitigate the risks and, upon diagnosis, what treatment options are best for them. A survey conducted by the Prostate Cancer Foundation earlier this year found that nearly 40 per cent of men believe the advice given on the benefits of testing for prostate cancer was too confusing. Additionally, the survey also found that 41 per cent felt conflicted about treatment options for the disease following a diagnosis.
Awareness must be coupled with research to ensure the survival of men diagnosed. Importantly, the Prostate Cancer Foundation also invests in a broad range of
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video