Doing your bit for Prostate Cancer
We would like to invite you to participate in a unique, Prostate Cancer awareness campaign running November and December 2009. It is through the support of our friends and partners, such as you, that we can have a direct impact on men's health
and aid the fight against prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) and the second greatest cause of cancer deaths in men. The latest data shows that in 2010 almost 20,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate
cancer. Tragically more than 3,300 will die.
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This year Harley- Davidson have developed a specially designed, 2009 Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) patch, which is on sale at Trivett Harley-Davidson for $8.00.
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It is through the sale of these patches we hope to raise a minimum of $5,000 for the PCFA and, just as importantly, generate awareness of the cancer that kills more men than breast cancer does women.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia receives limited funding from government. It therefore relies on the generosity of corporate partners, individuals and the community to help continue its essential work.
Through campaigns such as this we hope to contribute to the funding for research into the cause, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of prostate cancer while also raising much needed awareness.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the prostate that form a lump (tumour). In time, without treatment, it may spread to other organs, particularly the bones and lymph nodes, which can be life threatening. Generally at the early and
potentially curable stage, prostate cancer does not have obvious symptoms. This makes it different from other benign prostate disorders, which may result in urinary symptoms.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
In the early stages of prostate cancer, there may be no symptoms at all. As prostate cancer develops, symptoms can include the need to urinate frequently, particularly at night, sudden urges to urinate, difficulty in starting urine flow, a slow,
interrupted flow and dribbling afterwards, pain during urination or blood in the urine or semen.
Note: These symptoms are not always signs of prostate cancer. They can also be symptoms of other common and non-life threatening prostate disorders. Men who experience these symptoms should see their doctor immediately, to determine the cause and
best treatment
Who does prostate cancer affect?
It is recommended that men aged 50 and over should talk to their doctor about prostate cancer and if they decide to be tested, to do so annually. If there is a family history of prostate cancer; men should talk to their doctor from the age of
40.
A man has a 1 in 5 risk of developing prostate cancer by the age of 85. A man with a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer (brother or father) has at least twice the risk. Men in rural and regional Australia have a 21%
higher prostate cancer mortality rate than men in capital cities.
For further information on prostate cancer please visit the following website: http://www.prostate.org.au/articleLive/
Big blue ride fundraiser
30 countries, 42000 + kilometres, 180 days
Promoting the Inspire Foundation's Reachout.com program- helping young people suffering from depression and mental health problems lead happier lives.
Leaving Sydney 6th March 2010 9am at Christian Chruch Wakehurst Parway, Oxford Falls NSW. The journey begins in Sydney and finishes in Sydney, travelling via South East Asia, India, Middle East, Europe, UK and North America.
The campaign aims to:
- Promote awareness of Youth Mental Health, Youth Depression and Youth Suicide around the world and promote the "Inspire Foundations' Reach out program".
- And to get Men talking about their issues, in particular depression.
So if your up for the challenge and would like to take part in a fulfilling ride please call Ray Blackett for details on 0411121025 or to make a donation and find out more info visit www.bigblueride.com or www.prostate.org.au
