The quest to make prostate cancer history will take a moon shot this September, with thousands of men and women aiming to cover the distance to the moon, 384,400km, in Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s pinnacle event, The Long Run.
With 66 men diagnosed every day, prostate cancer has overtaken breast cancer as Australia’s leading cause of cancer.
PCFA CEO Anne Savage said thousands were expected to join the moon shot.
“The Long Run is expected to be the biggest in history this year, with increasing numbers of men being diagnosed and nearly 10 men dying from prostate cancer every single day,” Ms Savage said.
“The number of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer is increasing more rapidly than any other type of cancer, and the impact it takes on men’s lives is significant.
“Men with prostate cancer face a 70 per cent increased risk of suicide death, and 72 per cent of men do not get support for their mental health concerns.
“In response, we’re launching a moon shot for research and awareness in our quest to make prostate cancer history.
“Our aim is to raise over $1.7 million for research and support, by calling on Australians to help us cover the distance to the moon.”
More than 240,000 Australian men have now been diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime – a figure set to increase by 43 per cent by 2040.
“We’ve come a long way – increasing survival rates to 95 per cent, but we will not stop until we defeat prostate cancer,” Ms Savage said.
“We’re asking those who want to join our moon shot in The Long Run to run, walk, wheel or roller skate 72km during September, in solidarity with patients and survivors.”
