“We know that men in rural areas are less likely to seek help in comparison to those from metropolitan areas,” Ms Morley said.
“Contributing factors to that could be less access to healthcare, negative stigmas around men seeking out medical assistance or simply by having other priorities in life which have taken precedence over their health.”
Ms Morley’s position as prostate cancer specialist nurse is funded by the Echuca Moama Biggest Blokes Lunch two days a week and involves working in collaboration with the Biggest Blokes Lunch, ERH and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
According to Ms Morley, the biggest risk factors for prostate cancer are age and family history.
“There is a one in six chance of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85,” she said.
“If your father or brother has even been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your risk of having prostate cancer doubles and if you have two or more close relatives with prostate cancer then your risk is increased by five-fold.”
From the age of 50, men can start talking to their doctor about PSA testing whereas men who have an increased risk due to family history are able to commence discussions from the age of 40.
A PSA test is essentially a blood test that tests for prostate cancer, enlarged prostates and other prostate concerns.
The symptoms of prostate cancer are frequent and urgent urination, difficulty passing urine without discomfort, and pain in the lower back, hips or thighs, however men are not always symptomatic, which is why Ms Morley said it was important to visit a GP and arrange a test.
Ms Morley said that in cases where prostate cancer had been detected and diagnosed early, 95 per cent of men survive at least five years.
A spokesperson from the health promotion team said taking on general healthy habits could further assist in reducing your chance of illness and disease.
“Getting your body moving, sleeping for at least 7-8 hours a night, eating five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit each day, spending time with supportive people and taking the time to de-stress through relaxing activities like listening to a podcast will certainly benefit your overall health.”
For any further information about prostate health, phone 1800 22 00 99 or visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s website at https://www.prostate.org.au/
