18 March 2025

Only around one-third of Australian men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are diagnosed at the earliest stage when the disease is easiest to treat.  

With the knowledge that awareness is key to changing that, the Southsiders Prostate Cancer Support Group is on a mission to tell as many men as they can about PSA testing.  

To do that, the group regularly set up awareness stands at regional Field Days across Western Australia to start a conversation with men about the disease and encourage them to get tested.  

Group member Ian Mawson has been one of the drivers behind the group’s outreach efforts and said awareness plays a vital role in saving lives. 

“We have for a long time recognised the need to get out into the country to spread the news about prostate cancer,” he said. 

“Our first visit to Dowerin Field Days was in 2021 and we’ve been every year since.  

“As a result of PCFA’s Community Grants scheme, PCFA attended Newdegate Field Days in September 2024 and then we attended Wagin Woolorama Field Days earlier this month.  

“The benefit of attending events like this is the passing of information to men and women about prostate cancer so that they can talk to their GP about getting a PSA test and know their score. Since most of the towns only have one GP, it is important that the men and women have up to date information when they see their GP.” 

Ian has been part of the Southsiders PCSG since 2012 after he was diagnosed with cancer in both his prostate and his kidney, and underwent a radical prostatectomy.  

From there he’s continued to play an instrumental role in the group as the assistant leader, and a Life Force Volunteer. 

“Attending Field Days or similar events is a really good way to reach more men. There are so many highlights it’s hard to name just one,” he said. 

“A highlight from Wagin just this month was a conversation with a lady concerned about her friend who lived in a large country town. He was planning to travel to Perth for treatment, a one-way journey of 280 km. After consulting Greg from the Albany Prostate Cancer Support Group, we were able to inform her of treatment options in Albany, only 170 km away.  

“Other highlights include just talking to men and women about prostate cancer and being checked. We are finding out that more men now know about prostate cancer which is great to see, and it’s our role to ensure this continues.” 

Ian said if other groups were looking for ways to engage with the community, attending local or regional events is a great place to start. 

“My main advice would be to be prepared to listen rather than just talk. A lot of people like to share their experiences or ask questions,” he said.  

“Don’t expect that you will know the answers to all the questions but do have as much details as possible. Know your local area and have your materials ready.  

“You may be asked about some interesting and way-out-there theories but it’s best not to argue or create a scene.  

“You also need to stress the point that you are not doctors and cannot give medical advice. Just be honest and share the facts.  

“My other advice is to be organised. Make sure you get accommodation booked early. With a lot of people attending regional events, there’s often not a lot of accommodation close by.” 

Ian said PCFA’s Community Grants also helped immensely in being able to attend, and encouraged other groups to apply for these each year. 

“Without the grant funding, we would not have been able to carry out the extra visits.”  

If you’d like to find out more about the Southsiders efforts, reach out to them via: https://www.pcfa.org.au/support/find-a-support-group/southsiders-pcsg/