Australians deliver overwhelming mandate for action on prostate cancer
Almost 98 per cent of Australians support the introduction of a national risk-based prostate cancer testing program, according to a new national survey released ahead of Men's Health Week.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) Men's Health Survey also found overwhelming support for increased government investment in prostate cancer research, specialist nurses and access to treatment, while more than three in five Australians believe cost pressures, difficulty accessing doctors and long wait times are causing some men to delay diagnosis or treatment.
The findings come as prostate cancer remains Australia's most commonly diagnosed cancer and one of the nation's leading causes of cancer death.
Chair of PCFA's National Committee for the Elimination of Prostate Cancer and former Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Wayne Swan, said Australians had delivered a clear message that governments must do more to reduce avoidable deaths from the disease.
"Australians have delivered a powerful mandate for action," he said.
"They understand the importance of finding prostate cancer early, improving access to care and investing in the research and services that save lives.
"Every day, 79 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and 11 lose their lives to the disease.
"Yet despite the scale of the challenge, men at risk of prostate cancer are still expected to navigate testing largely on their own.
"When almost every Australian surveyed supports a national risk-based testing program, governments should take notice.
"I lost my father to prostate cancer and later faced my own diagnosis. I know firsthand what is at stake.
"No Australian man should miss his chance of survival because he lives in the wrong postcode, faces long delays accessing care or cannot afford another medical appointment."
The survey found:
- Around 98 percent of Australians support a national risk-based prostate cancer testing program to help detect prostate cancer earlier
- More than 98 percent support increased government investment in prostate cancer research, specialist nurses and access to treatment
- 63 percent believe cost pressures, difficulty accessing doctors and long wait times are causing some men to delay prostate cancer diagnosis or treatment
- Nearly 70 percent believe prostate cancer receives less public attention and investment than other major cancers
- Australians remain divided on whether enough information is available about prostate cancer risk and early detection
PCFA Chief Executive Officer Anne Savage said the findings demonstrated strong public support for treating prostate cancer as a national health priority.
"Australians understand the impact prostate cancer is having on men, families, and communities right across the country," she said.
"One man is being newly diagnosed with the disease every 18 minutes, while more than 4,000 men will die this year.
"At the same time, more than 300,000 Australian men are living with or beyond a prostate cancer diagnosis.
"The message from Australians is clear. They want earlier detection, equitable access to care, greater investment in research and stronger support for men and families affected by prostate cancer.
"These findings reinforce the work of the National Committee for the Elimination of Prostate Cancer and our goal of ensuring no Australian man dies unnecessarily from this disease."
PCFA's Men's Health Survey received 1,010 responses from Australians across the country.
