I write to thank all those who assisted and donated to the Big Aussie Barbie last week.
The Big Aussie Barbie campaign is all about getting together with family, friends and colleagues to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia and encourage discussions about prostate cancer, especially with men over the age of 50 years.
In 2020, Big Aussie Barbie is celebrating its 10th birthday with the initiative creating thousands of important conversations and raising more than $7 million for the vital cause.
This year marks the sixth annual Big Aussie Barbie at my Mount Gambier office to raise money for research and importantly, awareness of prostate cancer and to date we have raised more than $5,000 as a community.
Prostate cancer is estimated to be the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian men with 16,700 new cancers expected to be diagnosed this year.
It’s also set to be the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Australian men (after lung cancer) in 2020 with an estimated 3,152 deaths.
While it is still unclear what causes prostate cancer and therefore there is no known prevention as with many cancers, early detection and treatment can significantly improve prostate cancer survival.
Men over age 50, or 40 with a family history of prostate cancer, should talk to their doctor about testing for prostate cancer using the PSA blood test or Digital Rectal Examination as part of their annual health check-up.
A huge thank you to the Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group for their help, as well as generous donations from Baxter Hire, Bakers Delight, FT Shelton & Son Butchers and Group Training Employment.
Thank you to all those who donated to the cause either online or in person.
Tony Pasin
Federal Member for Barker
Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8724 7730
