23 November 2023
Thousands of people are expected to celebrate Australia’s annual Giving Day for prostate cancer research today, providing vital funding for life-saving research into Australia’s most common cancer.
The event aims to raise $450,000 for world-leading research funded by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).
PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, said the need for new research into prostate cancer was urgent.
“With more than 70 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’s a tragic fact that 10 Australian men still die from the disease every day.
“With increased funding for research, we know we can beat it, which is why our annual Giving Day is so important.”
The campaign is being supported by PCFA Ambassador and Nine News Presenter, Will McDonald, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease in 2020 at age 42.
As a survivor and father to his 10-month old son Alfie, Mr McDonald is determined to make a difference.
“The first time I sat in a chemotherapy chair I remember an overwhelming sense that this was my fight. No one could take the medicine for me, but I was fortunate to have so many people supporting me and helping me get through it,” Mr McDonald said.
“I know Alfie will have a higher risk of prostate cancer because of his family history, but I know he's not going to go through what I did – with ongoing breakthroughs in research, we can give our fathers and sons the future they deserve.”
All funds raised will go towards ground-breaking projects such as the EVOLUTION Phase II Clinical Trial and game-changing Australian research projects at the Garvan Institute, Monash University, and the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre.
PCFA’s Chief of Mission and Head of Research, Professor Jeff Dunn AO, welcomed community involvement in the campaign.
“We’re calling on Australians who care about prostate cancer to make a donation today and leave a message of solidarity and support on our hero wall.
“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.
“Importantly, every dollar will be doubled by PCFA corporate partners, making twice the difference.
“This Giving Day, we’d welcome community support for our vision to make prostate cancer history.”
Go to pcfagivingday.org.au to give.
