THE early detection of prostate cancer was the hot topic in Warwick this week, with presentations to council staff by representatives from not-for-profit organisation ManUp! Australia.
One in five Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to ManUp! Australia co-founders and directors Brian and Jill Costello.
Mr and Mrs Costello spoke to more than 150 Southern Downs Regional Council staff at four presentations as part of the ManUp! Rural Education Program which they are rolling out across the state.
Jill Costello said ManUp! Australia was thrilled that Southern Downs Regional Council agreed to host the ManUp presentation for council staff.
“It was great to see such a significant turn-out of staff at the presentations and to be able to reinforce to them that no Australian man needs to die from prostate cancer – no one’s husband, brother, dad, son or mate,” Mrs Costello said.
The council’s chief executive officer David Keenan said that the council is one of the largest employers in the region, particularly of male staff, and welcomed the event.
“Council has a commitment to the health and wellbeing of our staff and the ManUp! presentation added another string to the council’s bow of staff health promotion initiatives,” he said.
“We established ManUp! because we’ve been down this road of prostate cancer and have seen a lot of sadness and loss,” prostate cancer survivor Brian Costello said.
“It simply does not need to be this way.
“The ManUp! Rural Education Program is a way that we can share knowledge and raise awareness among men and women about what the prostate is and the simple testing process available to men to keep it in check.
“Early detection is the key and the first step for men is to get a simple blood test to measure the amount of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigens) in their blood, and then get the blood test done every year to track their PSA score.
“Early detection not only saves lives, it enables more treatment options and leads to better recovery outcomes. I’m living proof of this,” said Mr Costello.
For further information about prostate cancer or the ManUp! Rural Educational Program, contact Brian and Jill Costello at ManUp! Australia on 3273 3768 or 0423 849 129, or visit www.manupaustralia.org.au.
