Federal Budget allocation of $4 million for prostate cancer support welcomed

11 May 2011

Last night’s Federal Budget contained a welcome inclusion for the many thousands of Australian men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in Australia.

The inclusion of $4 million funding over the next three years, through Cancer Australia, will allow Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) to deliver support and management aids for men with prostate cancer and their families and carers.

PCFA is grateful to The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, Minister for Health and Ageing and the Federal Government for acknowledging prostate cancer as an important national health issue, and for recognising the need for increased support services for those men living with the disease.

The Federal Budget announcement stated that this funding will provide PCFA with additional resources to,“develop support kits and self-management aids for those diagnosed with prostate cancer, as well as information and support for families and carers. This measure also provides seed funding to establish 90 support groups.”

Dr Anthony Lowe, PCFA’s CEO says that this funding will have a major impact on the almost 20,000 Australian men estimated to be diagnosed with prostate cancer each year.

“Men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are often confused about the many potentially life-changing decisions they need to make, and the consequences of these decisions. It is startling to think that 95 per cent of the newly diagnosed men in Australia are still missing out on the valuable, free service provided by support groups –a service that can make a real difference in their life and journey with prostate cancer. This funding will greatly assist PCFA to increase its support services and resources for Australian men, making them more widely available in metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.

“The fact is that as many Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year as Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer. Yet, the impact of prostate cancer on the Australian community has long been underestimated. It is heartening to see our leaders now recognising the significance of prostate cancer, and helping to address it,” said Dr Lowe.

Particular acknowledgement should be given to Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Federal Member for Denison who is committed toimproving support resources for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and who was instrumental in securing this vital funding.

For more information about prostate cancer, visit www.prostate.org.au, or phone 1800 22 00 99.