Early prostate detection: prevention the best cure

Prostate Awareness Australia (PAA) is a Queensland industry initiative established to raise the awareness of prostate cancer among men (and their families) working in building and construction.

Ninety-five per cent of construction workers in Australia are men and an Australian man is diagnosed with prostate cancer every 20 minutes: that’s more than 20,000 per year. Medical research predicts 3,500 men will die in 2020 alone. The statistics are chilling:

• 1 in 7 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime,
• 9 die from prostate cancer each day,
• more men die from prostate cancer than women of breast cancer, and
• more men die from prostate cancer than both men and women of skin cancer.

Generally, there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. Fortunately, it can be detected through a blood test or examination by your local GP. Early detection and treatment can prevent the cancer growing within the prostate.

PAA urges men aged 45 and over to man up and have an annual check-up. If your father or brother has ever been diagnosed, you have twice the average risk of developing the disease.

Older men areoften reluctant to open-up when it comes to private medical related issues. Prostate Awareness Australia brings health education and awareness to employees in their workplace through engaging and informative site talks and toolbox meetings. The content covers:

• what is prostate cancer - symptoms, risks, detection and diagnosis
• treatments, side effects and remission
• connecting with support groups and family care.

If you would like a Prostate Awareness Australia coordinator to visit your workplace or need further information on prostate cancer, contact PAA at www.pro.org.au

More information

For information on work health and wellbeing at your workplace, visit WHSQ Work health and wellbeing.