17 August 2016
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia launches 2016 Big Aussie Barbie campaign
Data shows prostate cancer costs to the Australian health system are set to rise from $383 million in 2016 to over $543 million by 2025
Wednesday 17 August 2016: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) is urging Australians to light up the BBQ to help raise funds for the not-for-profit's cause as national prostate cancer costs are projected to increase by 42% in the next decade.
Australians can now sign-up their fundraising barbecues for the 2016 Big Aussie Barbie campaign - PCFA's major annual fundraising and awareness initiative. Now in its 8th year, the campaign provides necessary funding for ongoing research projects, community awareness initiatives and support programs.
According to the latest economic modelling for prostate cancer health services conducted by health economists at Griffith University, the current costs for national prostate cancer-related treatment to the health system is estimated at over $383 million. These costs are projected to rise to $543 million by 2025.
Associate Professor Anthony Lowe, Chief Executive Officer of PCFA, says the 42% cost increase in just one decade will have a huge impact on individual Australians and the Australian health system.
"Our research shows that men with high risk and advanced prostate cancer account for the highest costs. On average, each individual case of prostate cancer costs the health system over $26,000. On an individual level, average out-of-pocket costs paid by prostate cancer patients are over $9,000" said Associate Professor Lowe.
PCFA believes it is important for Australians to support fundraising initiatives as they are often the lifeline that keeps research and community support programs active.
"The Big Aussie Barbie initiative has successfully raised over $6 million through community barbecues and other affiliated initiatives. PCFA hopes the 2016 campaign will raise another $1 million so we can continue to fund programs that raise better awareness of the disease and support the 200,000 Aussie men and their families affected by prostate cancer."
International cricket legend Matthew Hayden is the Big Aussie Barbie campaign's official ambassador. Following his father's prostate cancer diagnosis in 2012, Matthew saw firsthand the toll prostate cancer can have on families.
"The Big Aussie Barbie is a fantastic opportunity for Australians to gather with friends and family, openly talk about risk and the importance of getting checked. Prostate cancer continues to be a leading cause of death among Aussie blokes and it's time we change that," said Mr Hayden.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia has been the major sponsor of Big Aussie Barbie since 2000 and continues to be a key supporter of the campaign.
How can you get involved?
- Visit www.bigaussiebarbie.com.au and sign-up your barbecue.
- Invite friends, family, neighbours or work colleagues to come along to your Big Aussie Barbie.
- Collect donations (no matter how big or small) to help support and sustain PCFA’s research, awareness and support services.
- Follow PCFA's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get all the latest Big Aussie Barbie news.
- Inspire others by sharing your own Big Aussie Barbie photos on social media (don't forget to include #BigAussieBarbie).
- Remember to serve lean meats, fresh salads and vegetables and keep the consumption of processed meats and alcohol to a minimum.
