What is the Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance?

"Local People Saving Local Lives"

The Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance is a group of local citizens, most of whom have had some personal experience with prostate cancer.

Chairman and CEO of the Alliance is Nicholas Sovechles, Vice-Chairman is Geoffrey Fry, Treasurer/Secretary is Gary Leo and Executive Officer is Keith Stewart. Our Medical Advisor is Professor Jim Denham. 

The Alliance aims to encourage more men to have a simple blood test called PSA which may, with further testing, enable an early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Early diagnosis of prostate cancer increases the likelihood of a full cure.

The Alliance is firstly targeting men over 50 years of age as the chance of developing prostate cancer for such a man is 1 in 8 throughout his remaining life. Also, men with a family history of prostate cancer as they have a risk of at least three times greater, than those who do not have such a family history, and should be tested from the age of 40.

The Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance is all about "getting the message out there" that all men should get regular PSA tests in order to enjoy peace of mind and make an early diagnosis of any potential prostate cancer.

HPCA Purpose

"To assist individuals and groups of men and women with information about prostate cancer, in order to promote rational testing of men for this disease and to encourage the development of intellectual and emotional support systems for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and those supporting them."

HPCA Mission

• "Advocate a strong awareness (within the region) of the necessity for immediate initial testing and thereafter regular prostate cancer testing as frequently as available evidence dictates in order to curb this disease in its onset.

• Assist newly diagnosed men and their partners to understand and come to terms with the complexity of this disease along with the variety of options available for treatment.

• Encourage the development of services that will promote a positive mental outlook for those affected by this disease and in those supporting them.

• Emphasise the importance of continued education to recognise and deal with the many far reaching effects of prostate cancer, including the fact that many low grade cancers may be safely monitored without treatment."