15 August 2023

Box Hill local Tony Morrissey is on a mission to get more men talking about prostate cancer to help improve rates of early detection.

Mr Morrissey, who is part of the Box Hill Prostate Cancer Support Group, is organising an open prostate cancer awareness evening on Thursday September 7 from 6.30pm at the Box Hill RSL.

Locals are invited to attend to learn more about prostate cancer, their risk factors and testing options, and hear from leading Urologist Phil Dundee, and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Mel Caruso.

Mr Morrissey said it’s a cause close to heart after his own diagnosis two years ago.

“I was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer and underwent 20 rounds of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and I’m currently taking part in a clinical trial to try to stop the spread of the disease,” he said.

“I was going through a really tough time when Mel, my Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse, suggested I reach out to the Support Group.

“I found a lot of support and mentally, it’s been such a big help. What’s really important is the conversations we have and that got me thinking about the conversations we need to have in the wider community.

“If we can raise awareness and get more men talking about their risks and testing options, we can help to reduce the number of men being diagnosed at a later stage when the disease is harder to treat.

“I encourage everyone to come along – men, their sons, dads, grandfathers, and partners, to find out more about prostate cancer. It could save your life.”

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with 1 in 5 men diagnosed by age 85.

In Melbourne’s inner east alone, which includes Box Hill, over 300 men are newly diagnosed every year.

PCFA Chief Executive Officer, Anne Savage, said awareness activities were urgently needed in Box Hill.

“Box Hill has a rate of Stage 1 diagnosis that is well below the national average, with only 17 per cent of prostate cancers in the local area detected early, compared to a national average of 36 per cent.

“Awareness events like these play a vital role in educating the community and informing men and their families about the actions we can take to improve outcomes.

“Of equal concern, Box Hill has a slightly higher rate of death within five years of a diagnosis, which is something we can only change through individual vigilance and community action.

“We commend Tony and our Box Hill Support Group for their important work.”

For more information about prostate cancer and support, call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.pcfa.org.au.

This September, during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, locals can also take action by registering for The Long Run and run, walk or ride 72km throughout the month to raise funds and awareness for PCFA. To find out more or get involved, visit www.thelongrun.org.au.

ENDS

To arrange an interview with Tony Morrissey, please contact:
Laura McKoy | 0435 094 788