21 November 2024

Annual Giving Day targets zero deaths from prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has set a target of zero deaths from prostate cancer within ten years, making the announcement on PCFA’s annual national Giving Day today (Thursday November 21).

Prostate cancer is Australia’s most commonly diagnosed cancer, accounting for 16 per cent of all cancers diagnosed and more hospitalisations than any other form of cancer.

PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, said the number of men being diagnosed was set to skyrocket.

“With an ageing and increasing population, more and more men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer each year,” she said.

“If we stand up to fight this disease, by increasing funding for research, we can eliminate avoidable deaths in our lifetime.

“With more than 72 men now diagnosed a day, the need for new research into prostate cancer has never been more important.”

While prostate cancer has one of the highest survival rates of any cancer, it remains Australia’s second-leading form of cancer-related death among males, claiming the lives of 3,900 men every year.

“With increased funding for research, we know we can beat it, which is why PCFA’s annual Giving Day is so important. All donations will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of our work,” Ms Savage said.

PCFA’s Chief of Mission and Head of Research, Professor Jeff Dunn AO, welcomed community involvement in the campaign.

“We’re calling on all Australians to get involved by donating today and sharing a message on our Wall of Hope,” Professor Dunn said.

“Our aim is to eliminate avoidable deaths from prostate cancer, by funding research to make new medicines and treatments available in the near-term.

“As the only charity in Australia dedicated purely to prostate cancer research, we are proud to be leading from the front and standing up against prostate cancer.

“This Giving Day, we’d welcome community support to achieve our goal of zero deaths in our lifetime.”

Go to www.pcfagivingday.org.au to give.