Top reinsmen to drive prostate cancer awareness in September

Leading harness racing drivers John Caldow and Mick Stanley will don special silks through September to drive home key messages and raise money during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) is once again teaming up with Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and pledging $500 for every winning drive by Caldow and Stanley.

All funds raised will help prostate cancer research, awareness and support locally.

The theme for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 2021 is ‘Together for the long run’, which aims to bring people together in solidarity of men and families impacted by the disease.

PCFA CEO Professor Jeff Dunn AO thanked Caldow, Stanley and HRV for their ongoing support.

“Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian men, claiming more than 3000 lives each year and leaving men with lifelong impacts,” Prof Dunn said.

“Despite this, awareness levels in Australia are at historic lows, and many men in our local community are clueless about their risks of the disease.

“Our partnership with HRV will help get us on track to improve awareness of the disease and raise understanding of options for early detection and treatment, while supporting Australian men and families with the long-term impacts of their illness.”

Each year in Australia, around 16,700 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“The impact of prostate cancer is significant, often wreaking havoc not only in the lives of men diagnosed but their families too,” Prof Dunn said.

“Men with prostate cancer have a 70 per cent increased risk of suicide death compared to the general population, although 72 per cent of men will not seek help for their distress.

“By supporting Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, you’ll be helping other men and families go the distance, get the support they need, and survive this disease.”

HRV CEO Dayle Brown said it was great that the industry was backing such an important cause.

“HRV is pleased to once again support the PCFA in September to raise important awareness and funds to fight prostate cancer,” Brown said.

“Let’s hope we can have our most successful PCFA month yet in 2021.”

To coincide with Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, PCFA is also calling on the community to lace up for The Long Run.

This initiative will see thousands run, walk or pedal 72km throughout the month of September to raise vital funds and support for those affected.

To support PCFA this September, go to www.thelongrun.org.au.

From HRV