Far West Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Ruben Hillier has joined September’s Long Run for Prostate Cancer Awareness, vowing to run 72km next month.
He is calling for others to join him in the quest in which you can run, walk or wheel 72km to raise funds for research and awareness of prostate cancer.
The organisation collectively aims to cover the distance to the moon, some 384,400km.
Ruben said that compared to many areas in Australia, men in the Far West region are older and the health services are often further away.
“Getting the timely treatment our men need is more complex when distance is involved and this is why it’s extra essential to raise awareness for our men and their families to get support and get checked,” says Ruben.
Specialist nurses like Ruben are critical in providing the right guidance, care and support to people with prostate cancer, their families and friends.
“From the point of diagnosis, we offer expert education and information about treatment plans, referrals to services, both in the hospital and community, and provide an ongoing point of contact and support for men and families,” he said.
“The community can take action by joining The Long Run and raising funds to enable these vital services to continue.”
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in Australia after non-melanoma skin cancer, with around 3200 deaths in Australia every year.
It is most common in men over the age of 60, although the risk is higher for younger men with a strong family history of certain cancers, according to the Cancer Foundation.
Early detection and treatment can significantly improve prostate cancer outcomes.
Men concerned about prostate cancer should talk to their doctor and make an informed choice about whether to have any tests designed to find early signs of prostate cancer, given the potential risks and benefits.
You can join the Long Run and help reach the moon by signing up at thelongrun.org.au.
For information and support regarding prostate cancer, call PCFA on 1800 22 00 99 or call Ruben directly on 08 8080 2272.
You can also visit the website for more information – www.pcfa.org.au
