Warren Entsch (Leichhardt, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last week the Parliamentary Friends of Prostate Cancer Awareness held its annual luncheon here at Parliament House. It was fantastic to see so many people attend and the bipartisan support for this important cause. Prostate cancer doesn't discriminate. It is the most common cancer amongst Australian men, with 20,000 cases diagnosed each year. More than 3,000 men die of prostate cancer in Australia every year. More men die of prostate cancer than women die of breast cancer. As you are all aware, this month is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Evidence shows that men aged between 50-70, or from 40 years old if they have a family history of prostate cancer, should discuss testing with their GP. This gives us all an opportunity, through increased education, to empower Australian men to take control of their health and it encourages them to discuss testing with their GP. I encourage colleagues to spread awareness about prostate cancer in their electorate so that more men can have the discussion with their GPs. A simple blood test could quite literally save your life.

Finally, I'd like to thank the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia for the great work they're doing in highlighting this important issue on men's health.