30 March 2022
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has commended the Commonwealth Government for funding a review of Australia’s Clinical Practice Guidelines on PSA Testing in the 2022 Federal Budget.
PCFA’s Chairman, Adjunct Associate Professor Stephen Callister, says the move will help to save thousands of men’s lives over the next decade.
“Australia has one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the world, with one in every six Australian men likely to be diagnosed by age 85.
“Over 18,000 men will be diagnosed with the disease this year and 3,323 will die. It’s a tragic toll that can be avoided if the disease is diagnosed before it spreads.
“The current guidelines, published in 2016, are poorly understood by most Australians and need to be updated based on the latest evidence.
“We welcome the Government’s funding for a review of the current guidelines and we look forward to commencing this work immediately,” he said.
PCFA data has found that over the next 15 years the number of Australian men who die of prostate cancer will roughly equal the number of seats at the Sydney Cricket Ground, although many of these deaths are avoidable.
PCFA’s CEO, Anne Savage, welcomed the funding in response to PCFA’s advocacy.
“Detected at its earliest stage, the five-year relative survival rate for prostate cancer is nearly 100 per cent. This means if we detect it while the cancer is contained within the prostate, we can almost certainly defeat it for good.
“This is a great step forward for thousands of Australian men and families who are at risk of prostate cancer and currently living with the disease.
“A recent PCFA survey found that 75 per cent of Australians do not know the guidelines, which means many men simply don’t know their risks or what to do about those risks.
“If we can diagnose all men at the earliest stage and ensure they have access to new medicines and care, we can beat this disease.
“For men with a family history of the disease, we need to give much clearer guidance about their risks and screening options. This funding will allow us to step up and take necessary action to ensure Australian men do not die before their time,” she said.
ENDS
PCFA CEO, Anne Savage | 0417 709 869
PCFA Head of Marketing & Community Engagement, Laura McKoy | 0435 094 788
