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Reaching new heights for prostate cancer research
Reaching new heights for prostate cancer research
Friday, 2 September 2011
Prostate cancer survivors, doctors, researchers and supporters went to dramatic heights to raise awareness of prostate cancer when they climbed Brisbane’s 74 metre high Story Bridge.
The survivors had already conquered so much more by fighting prostate cancer. They’re now urging Queenslanders to help scientists fight prostate cancer—a disease that kills one Australian man every three hours. It is around the same number as breast cancer in women.
Channel Nine Anchor Andrew Lofthouse joined the climb as his father died of prostate cancer and Andrew’s had checkups every year since his early 40s.
“I want to get the message out there that talking about prostate cancer saves lives and encourage people to raise funds to support Mater’s prostate cancer research. If you are male and aged over 40, face your fear and talk to your GP about regular checks. The doctors say like most cancers, prostate cancer is more likely to be successfully treated if it is diagnosed in the early stages,” Andrew said.
Prostate Cancer survivor Ian Heathwood found he faced his fear of heights and still it was nothing compared to his ongoing journey including going to hospital on the same day for his ongoing check-up test results.
“It’s the difference between doing something that can save your life by Talking PC or doing something where you know you can’t fall off even if you don’t like heights. I didn’t have any symptoms so if I didn’t get checked I’d probably have very serious cancer but I was lucky. If you can conquer fear then you can conquer anything” Ian said.
The father of two was 47 years old when he was diagnosed and had no symptoms at all. A routine check-up with a PSA blood test by his GP saved his life. Ian had surgery to remove his prostate followed by radiation treatment at Mater a year later.
“Without research we are not going to find better treatments. Without funding, research can't happen so for those of us who have the means to do so, every dollar counts! Mater is a world leader in cancer research right here in our own city. Let's all do what we can to get behind it.” Ian said.
One in nine Australian men will get prostate cancer. This September, Mater Foundation aims to raise more than $300 000 for prostate cancer research at Mater through Talking PC.
You can take part in Talking PC by holding a barbeque or morning tea; facing your fear and holding a challenge event or making a donation.
“Talking PC is a wonderful way for everyone to get together for a great cause and help future prostate cancer patients.” Mater Foundation Executive Director Nigel Harris said.
Register for Talking PC today
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