Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, with 20,000 men diagnosed and 3,500 deaths each year. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is this month, September, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is encouraging Australians, particularly blokes, to host barbecues. I've just been to one of those barbecues, hosted by the member for Leichhardt. It's usually also hosted by the member for Blaxland, my friend Jason Clare. However, he was not here today, because he understands the importance of early diagnosis. He actually found a melanoma on his leg, went to the hospital and got it removed, and he is recovering well. He has been a champion of prostate cancer awareness. Chris Bowen, the shadow minister for health, stood in for him today and did a fantastic job.

I'm calling on all blokes to go and see your GP. Particularly if you're over 50 you need to get a PSA blood test, but if you've got a family history of prostate cancer you may need to get that test earlier. See your GP and remember that early detection absolutely saves lives. I send my solidarity to everyone who's fighting cancer and to their loved ones.