Tom Venning (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to acknowledge that September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australian men, with a profound impact not only on those diagnosed but also on their partners, families and communities. This is not just a health statistic; it is a reality faced by too many families across our nation. Every diagnosis sends ripples well beyond the individual, and the road to recovery depends on the strength of our health system, the skill of our medical professionals and the support of our community organisations. I want to take the opportunity to recognise the vital role of general practitioners, nurses, specialists and allied health workers who are on the front line of early detection, treatment, recovery and survivorship. Organisations such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and the local support groups in towns and regional centres provide care, advice and much-needed hope for men and their loved ones.

But we cannot ignore that access to these services is not the same everywhere. Men living in regional and rural communities face greater barriers when it comes to prostate cancer screening and treatment. Many of my constituents must travel hundreds of kilometres for specialist appointments or advanced treatment facilities. For families already under financial pressure, that means time off work, high travel costs and enormous strain. Whilst city residents may have a choice of providers within a short drive, regional Australians often wait months for an appointment or will go without care altogether. First Nations men and those with a family history of prostate cancer face even higher risks, yet too often they are the ones least able to access timely screening and follow-up care. This inequality is not acceptable, and it is the key reason why outcomes in the regions remain worse than those in metropolitan areas.

That is why awareness months like this matter. We must encourage men, particularly those aged 50 to 69 and younger men with additional risk factors, to have a conversation with their GP about prostate cancer, specific antigen testing and their individual risk. Acting early on symptoms or concerns can be the difference between a long, healthy life and one cut short by late diagnosis. I commend the work already underway, including initiatives supported by government to improve access to high-quality diagnosis and treatment. Specialist nurses, mental health supports and better follow-up care are all vital steps, but we must go further, particularly for regional Australians. Telehealth can help, but it is not a substitute for the presence of skilled professionals in our regional hospitals and clinics. We need to make sure that, no matter where you live, you have the same chance of surviving cancer as someone in the city.

Finally, we must continue to break down the barriers around men's health. Too often, men are reluctant to talk about their health or delay seeking help. This is even more prevalent in farming communities and among farmers. But talking saves lives. Early action gives men the best chance to live long and well. This September, I join with colleagues across the chamber in affirming the importance of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, in thanking our health professionals and community groups and in urging all men, especially in regional and rural communities, to prioritise their health. Thank you.

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