For too long, prostate cancer has been a silent killer of our fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles, sons and friends.

While one in five Australian men will be diagnosed with the disease, even more will go undetected before it is too late to intervene.

“Almost 3500 men die of prostate cancer each year in Australia,” urologist and one of the world’s leading prostate specialists Professor Tony Costello, AM, said.

The AFL has supported the Breast Cancer Network Australia and the Pink Lady Match, which has done a brilliant job highlighting the importance of awareness and raising funds to tackle this disease.

And now Professor Costello and his team at the North Melbourne-based Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre are keen to use a similar model to promote the plight of men in our community.

It will start in this round with the big North Melbourne-Western Bulldogs game being promoted as #clash4prostate to help raise awareness and funds.

“Aside from the Ted Whitten Legends Game, this is the first time we’ve been able link with the AFL on the most important cancer for men and we’re incredibly grateful to North Melbourne for partnering with us, as well as the Western Bulldogs and AFL for their support,” Professor Costello said.

“Football is a terrific vehicle to raise awareness of the importance of getting your prostate checked after 40,” North Melbourne coach Brad Scott said.

“The game is so well supported not only by men, but women whose husbands and friends are men over 40. We know that men can be reluctant to go and get checked, so sometimes we all need a prod from the women in our lives.”

Scott said he and twin brother Chris, who turn 40 next week, will be getting checks, especially with a family member being recently diagnosed.

“My father-in-law discovered this January he has prostate cancer. He had to have his whole prostate removed and is still recovering from surgery, but we are confident he will make a full recovery,” Scott said.

Australian Prostate Cancer Research
Level 8, 14-20 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne
(03) 8373 7600
info@apcr.org.au
Twitter: @AustProstate