Punya Foundation organised the first-ever Prostate Cancer Awareness Program for the Nepali language-speaking migrant community in Salisbury, South Australia. The program aimed to raise awareness about prostate cancer, encourage early detection, and improve understanding of available support services within multicultural communities.
Mr Hari Adhikari, Director of the Programs, coordinated the session. Interpretation support was provided by Acharya Santiram Upadhaya Dhakal, helping participants clearly understand the important health information shared during the session. The event featured presentations from Mr Julian Odessa, Prevention Programs Lead, Cancer Council SA and Mr Geoff Haygreen, Volunteer, Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia.
The facilitators delivered valuable information on the prostate as an organ, prostate cancer epidemiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, management, and available support services. Participants also learned about the lived experiences of prostate cancer patients and the importance of regular health checks and early medical consultation.
Mr Julian Odessa, Prevention Programs Lead, Cancer Council SA Highlights Prostate Cancer Pathophysiology
The session highlighted services provided by Cancer Council SA and Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia, including support available for multicultural communities. Community members were encouraged to speak openly about men’s health and seek medical advice when needed.
The program created a welcoming and culturally safe environment where participants could ask questions and engage in discussion in their own language. The session helped improve health awareness and encouraged positive health-seeking behaviour among participants. Participants shared very positive feedback about the session and found the information useful, practical, and relevant to their health and wellbeing. The program created meaningful discussions around men’s health and encouraged community members to seek timely medical advice and support services when needed.
Punya Foundation sincerely thanks Mr Julian Odessa and Mr Geoff Haygreen for facilitating the informative session. The Foundation also appreciates the valuable contribution of volunteers, interpreter Acharya Santiram Upadhaya Dhakal, and community members whose support and participation contributed to the success of the program. This program was proudly funded by the Australian Government through Cancer Australia’s Supporting People with Cancer Grant Program.
