Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Mr BELL (Mount Gambier) (15:13): September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Currently, prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australia, with over 25,000 men diagnosed annually. Five years ago, Alec Hamilton was one of those men. Since his diagnosis and initial treatment, Alec has been using his experience to inform men of the importance of regular prostate testing, as well as being a regular contributor to fundraising efforts.

In 2020, Alec raised over two and a half thousand by shaving his head and beard in an effort to raise funds for a much-needed prostate biopsy machine for the Limestone Coast. Last year, he initiated his Push for Prostate, this time to raise funds for cancer-treating laser equipment for the Mount Gambier hospital. This consisted of a team of 12, including his two sons, pushing Alec in a wheelchair from Mount Gambier to Adelaide and stopping at each of the major towns along the way to give a presentation highlighting the importance of men getting tested.

Recently, I chatted with Alec at the Big Aussie Barbie in Mount Gambier, a great annual fundraiser for prostate cancer that is hosted by our local federal member, Tony Pasin. What became apparent was Alec's passion for raising awareness of the importance of getting tested, particularly for men in rural areas, who often lack access to medical services that many of us take for granted. Since we spoke, Alec dropped a letter into my office detailing some of the initiatives he is trying to achieve. I would like to share that with you today:

Thank you to Troy Bell for being my spokesperson to present my platform on easing the burden of Prostate Cancer sufferers and their families.

The last figures show that Prostate Cancer holds the crown for being the second highest killer of men in Australia with: 70 men diagnosed daily; 25,487 diagnosed annually; 3,743 dying this year 2023; and 10 per day dying this year 2023, with little or no support from State or Federal Government in raising awareness.

Imagine if it were Road Fatalities.

Last year, on a fact finding mission, I was pushed in a wheelchair from Mount Gambier to Tailem Bend, meeting and talking to Men's Groups at major towns along the way.

When asked if they had heard of Prostate Cancer, the response was about 90%.

When asked how to get checked or even if it was necessary, the response was about 10%.

When I explained all that was required was to ask the GP for a simple blood test (PSA) the response was 'What Doctor'.

It was explained to me that the nearest doctor for Keith, Tintinara, Coonalpyn and Coomandook areas was Bordertown, Tailem Bend and Meningie with a 6-10 week wait being the norm.

What farmer, if he was not bleeding or in extreme pain will ever consider seeing a doctor.

The Medical Profession tell us to seek help if we suffer various symptoms, but history tells us if we wait for this it is too late.

I would like to suggest we upgrade the present system to save lives and following expenses in later treatment by diagnosing earlier, saving after care.

My own journey as a five-year survivor is costing many hundreds of dollars, both in specialist costs and travel expenses.

I was diagnosed early, but due to lack of Hospital facilities, surgery was performed late and I have various problems as a result. I am still having three-monthly tests to follow my cancer.

If a letter from the Federal Government can be sent to people reminding them they are due for a Covid Booster, or their Bowel Screen Kit is on the way, why not a letter suggesting a PSA Test?

Introduce a visiting Prostate Testing van and letter holders can be eligible for a Blood Test therefore by-passing the GP, freeing up the doctors' valuable time for other patients.

My other suggestion is lower the testing age from 50-60 years to 40 years. We have in our Group in Mount Gambier one member 43 years old, and he has a workmate only 33 years old who refuses to open up to anybody.

Give equal time to awareness advertising for Prostate Cancer as is provided to Bowel and Breast Cancer.

Please remember 3,743 deaths or 10 daily this year alone.

Help me save lives and then not have to travel my journey.