27 September 2023
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has announced $1 million in new funding for research into prostate cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.
The announcement follows the release of new data revealing a 25% increase in the number of deaths from prostate cancer in Australia since 2007.
PCFA Chief of Mission and Head of Research, Professor Jeff Dunn AO, said the funding would go to cutting-edge research projects that deliver near-term benefits for Australian men and families.
“The number of men being diagnosed is increasing at an accelerating rate, which means we need to step up and make new medicines and treatments available more rapidly.
“This million-dollar boost to national research will go towards projects that help us find ways of defeating the disease and stopping it from spreading.
“Five-year relative survival has increased from 58 per cent in the 1980s to nearly 95 per cent today, but we cannot afford to slow down the pace of progress.
“If we keep up our work we will find a way for all men to outlast prostate cancer.”
Australia has one of the highest rates of prostate cancer incidence worldwide, with more than 25,000 men diagnosed every year.
“Every 20 minutes an Australian man will be diagnosed with prostate cancer,” Professor Dunn said.
“Our investment of $1 million towards early and mid-career researchers will help create stronger pathways towards preventing and defeating the disease.
“This funding is made possible by PCFA’s Prostate Cancer Future Fund, which is changing and saving lives.”
Cancer Australia data shows that prostate cancer research only receives about half the funding that goes to other major cancers.
PCFA is offering four research grants to eligible applicants, with a combined total value of $1 million. Find out more via: www.pcfa.org.au/research/apply-for-funding.
ENDS
Media contact:
Laura McKoy | M. 0435 094 788
