High Hunter prostate cancer rates

BY JACQUI JONES HEALTH REPORTER

01 Sep, 2011 10:47 AM

HUNTER men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer at rates above NSW levels, despite historical parity in numbers between the region and state.

Specialists say the increase in cases reflects a growing awareness in the Hunter of the disease and willingness for men to get tested.

It comes as public advocacy steps up during September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Cancer Cancer NSW research fellow David Smith compiled figures for the Newcastle Herald tracking prostate cancer incidence from 1972 until 2008.

It shows an overall spike in incidence in the 1990s with the introduction of prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing.

The Hunter also registered a spike from 2005.

Cancer Council NSW Hunter North West regional manager Shayne Connell said it was believed the Hunter spike was due to more men having the PSA test as a result of increased awareness.

Mr Connell said the incidence of prostate cancer in the Hunter Region was 12 per cent higher than the state average.

The Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance recently ran a public campaign promoting testing.

Due to its success, the organisation plans to relaunch the "little prick" message.

Alliance chairman Nick Sovechles said it was hoped higher detection rates would help reduce prostate cancer deaths.

"The campaign was wildly successful and we will see as early as next year the effect the message has played on the mortality rate of prostate cancer in the Hunter," he said. "But there is still much to do.

"We must emphasise to every man to be proactive about their health and when getting their regular health checks, ensure the PSA test is included, helping to uncover if there is some issue with the prostate, which in some cases can lead to cancer."

The Hunter is also leading a range of research into the disease, through groups such as the Prostate Cancer Trials Group and the Cancer Council.

It was not until he took part in the Wollombi Wild Ride prostate cancer awareness mountain bike event that he thought seriously about getting tested.

"Leigh Maughan got up and had a chat, it was for prostate cancer because he's a patron," Mr Ward, of Muswellbrook, said.

"I just went and got tested."

Mr Ward had a PSA test and a biopsy and was diagnosed in December with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

He had surgery in February and is recovering well.

Mr Ward, 51, has regained enough fitness to take part in this year's Wollombi Wild Ride, being held on Saturday.

He said he wanted to encourage other men to be aware of their health, despite their age or if they were feeling well.

"Just go and get it [tested]," Mr Ward said.

This was especially so if there was a family history of prostate cancer. 

 

To view this article on The Herald website, go to: http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/high-hunter-prostate-cancer-rates/2277169.aspx