Test early and test often 

The Herald

Thursday 1st September, 2011

A FIVE-YEAR push to reduce the prostate cancer mortality rate in the Hunter is being ramped up this week.

The campaign was launched after it was revealed Hunter men suffering with the disease had a death rate 40per cent higher than their metropolitan counterparts in Sydney.

Initiatives taken by the Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance resulted in a boost in the number of men seeking testing for the disease.

The alliance is a group of local citizens that 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 increases the likelihood of a full cure.

The alliance message is that all men should get regular PSA tests in order to enjoy peace of mind.

The alliance mission is four-fold:

■ to 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.

■ to 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.

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

■ to 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.