Because prostate cancer often develops without clear warning signs, widespread awareness is vital. In a recent community workshop, Mr Julian Odessa, Prevention Programs Lead from Cancer Council South Australia and prostate cancer survivor Mr Geoff Haygreen, Volunteer, Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia shared critical insights on breaking down the barriers to early detection.
Unlike other common cancers, Australia does not have a formal public screening program for prostate cancer. This makes self-awareness and active community discussion essential. “One of the challenges we find is because there’s not many symptoms, people don’t think to get checked,” Odessa explained. He emphasized that men must learn what is normal for their bodies so they can immediately recognize and discuss any health changes with a doctor.
Geoff, a survivor who had no symptoms before his diagnosis, is living proof of why regular checkups matter. His life was saved because a diligent doctor tracked his rising Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels. “Men just don’t seem to realise that it could happen to anybody,” Geoff noted.
Community organisations play a powerful role in bridging these gaps, particularly within migrant communities. By hosting workshops and encouraging men to share this lifesaving information with family and coworkers, we can overcome taboos and ensure more men seek early medical advice.
Punya Foundation thanks Mr Hari Sharma Poudyal interviewee, interviewer Acharya Santiram Upadhaya Dhakal, videographer Mr Hari Adhikari and Mr Tek Bhandari for video editing.