Dan Repacholi (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House:

(1) notes that September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and that prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australian men, with a profound impact on men, their partners, families and communities;

(2) recognises the vital role of general practitioners, nurses, specialists and allied health workers in early detection, treatment, recovery and survivorship, and acknowledges the important work of community organisations including the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and local support groups;

(3) acknowledges that men in regional and rural communities, First Nations men, and men with a family history of prostate cancer face higher risks and often greater barriers to timely screening, diagnosis and care;

(4) encourages men, particularly those aged 50 to 69, and younger men with additional risk factors, to talk with their general practitioner about prostate-specific antigen testing and individual risk, and to act early on symptoms or concerns;

(5) commends the work underway, including by the Government, to improve access to high quality diagnosis and treatment, with initiatives such as specialist nurses, mental health supports and better follow-up care; and

(6) affirms that talking about men's health saves lives and that early action gives men the best chance to live long and well.

Let's talk about an extremely important issue that is impacting men all around this country: prostate cancer.

Once upon a time, getting your prostate checked meant having a doctor get a little bit closer than what most people—definitely most men—would ever want their doctors to be. I get why some blokes may not have been lining up to have their prostate checked, even if it's something that really must be done, but it's 2025, and you no longer need a finger up the bum to get your prostate checked. With just a simple little prick on your finger, you can get all the results through a simple blood test. It's quick and easy—you get to keep your pants on!—and you can find out the important information about your prostate to save your life.

If we're not talking about prostate cancer, men will not know how big of a threat it poses to so many blokes around this amazing country and they will not know how easy it is to be able to get on top of it early and keep living a fantastic life. September gives us the perfect opportunity to bring up this very important conversation. The point of this month is to make men aware of prostate cancer, inform them of what to look out for and when to get checked and, importantly, remind them of the huge impact it can have on partners, families and mates if they do not keep on top of it.

Unfortunately, not everyone bloke has the same access to screening, diagnosis and care. Men in rural and regional areas, like mine in the Hunter; First Nations men; and men with a family history of prostate cancer often face barriers preventing them from getting checked and detecting it early. This is something we are working urgently to address. If you are a man between 50 and 69, if you are younger and have additional risk factors like a family history of prostate cancer or if you have a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, I urge you to get checked. Talk to your GP about the risks, get a simple PSA test, and act early on any concerns or symptoms.

Work is well underway to make sure that men have the best access to possible treatment. I commend what is being done by the federal government to improve access to high-quality diagnosis and treatment, with initiatives such as specialist nurses, mental health support and better follow-up care. These are things that make all the difference and often keep men alive for longer. I also want to recognise the vital role that GPs, nurses, specialists and allied health workers play in early detection, treatment, recovery and survivorship. You are doing bloody important work, and there are countless men who are still alive today because of you.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the important work of community organisations including the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and local support groups. Without the work you do we would not have the same level of awareness about one of our most common cancers, and without this awareness we would not be taking action to help men get on top of it.

For this year's Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is fighting for zero deaths from prostate cancer. You can get involved by taking part in the Long Run, which encourages people to walk, ride or run 72km during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and funds for the 72 Australian men diagnosed with prostate cancer each day. It is an easy thing for us to do that can make a huge difference.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer for men in Australia, but, if caught early, it can also be one of the most successfully treated cancers. So to the men of Australia I say don't wait until it's too late. Don't put off getting checked like you have been putting off painting the house for the last two years. Get checked and stay alive. You owe it to your family, you owe it to your mates and you owe it to yourself. This motion is about encouraging early checks, supporting health workers and making sure that no man is left behind—and no family is left behind either.

Talking about men's health saves lives, and early action gives men the best chance to live long and well. So let's use this September to have a conversation about prostate cancer, to remember there are no more fingers in the anus, no more being scared to see your doctor; it's a simple little blood test. Get out there and have a chat to your mates.

And to the amazing women in all the blokes' lives: whether you're talking to your partner, your husband, your dad, your brother or just one of your mates, have a conversation with them about how much prostate cancer matters and about how easy it is to get it checked. There are still so many men out there who don't realise how simple this is to get checked.

Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Centre Alliance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is the motion seconded?

Matt Burnell (Spence, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I second the motion and reserve my right to speak.

Andrew Willcox (Dawson, Liberal National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today as Co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Prostate Cancer Awareness group, alongside the member for Hunter. I thank the member the Hunter, the government Special Envoy for Men's Health, the honourable Dan Repacholi MP, for bringing forward this important motion.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and a vital opportunity for us to draw attention to the realities of this disease. Prostate cancer is now the most diagnosed cancer in Australia. It's not just a statistic; it's fathers, brothers, colleagues, friends and communities that are affected each and every day.

Let me offer some context. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, some 26,000 Australian men are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, surpassing even breast cancer cases. To break that down, that's roughly 72 men diagnosed each day and about 4,000 deaths annually. Lifetime risk is profound: one in five Australian men will be diagnosed by the age of 85.

Despite these sobering facts, there's hope thanks to early detection and better treatment. The five-year relative survival rate is now 96 per cent, and 91 per cent of men survive their diagnosis for at least 10 years. Going back to 1982, the five-year relative survival rate was only 60 per cent. These numbers underscore both the urgency and the opportunity before us, highlighting the fact that early diagnosis saves lives. In fact, much of our progress over recent decades has been thanks to the update of the PSA testing and the advent of new imaging technologies that enable more accurate diagnosis, including MRI, PSMA, and PET and CT scans.

Yet, not all Australians benefit equally. As the member for Hunter correctly stated, men in rural and regional communities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and men with a family history of disease face a higher risks and significant barriers to timely screening, diagnosis and care, whether due to geography, access constraints or awareness gaps. Studies of PSA testing patterns across the country reveal rural and remote areas report lower screening rates. This highlights the disparity we must address. That's why the motion rightly emphasises support for all men, regardless of their location or their background.

Here's where our community leadership shines. The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, PCFA, founded in 1996, stands at the forefront of research, awareness, support, education and advocacy. It collaborates across sectors to reduce the impact of prostate cancer on men, their partners and their families. Over the last two years, PCFA has been working with experts around the country to develop new clinical guidelines for early detection of prostate cancer, ensuring clinicians are armed with evidence in the fight against diagnosis and certain death. In fact, the new draft guidelines could see a global standard in early detection, positioning Australia to lead the world in eliminating avoidable deaths. Meanwhile, inspiring stories, including individuals who have championed awareness in their communities, are powerful. As one member of our community put it, 'I urge men to be invested and get tested, knowing that early detection saves lives.'

The high-profile case of the Brisbane city councillor Ryan Murphy, diagnosed earlier this year at age 36, is a call to arms for men, underscoring the fact that this disease can strike younger men, backing up community calls for risk based national screening levels. I ask myself what we can do as parliamentarians and as a nation to encourage men over 50 and especially those with family histories to consult their GPs about their individual risk and the option of PSA testing. Each year, thousands of Australian men receive a prostate cancer diagnosis. Many go on to live long, fulfilling lives—but only because they are diagnosed early and supported well. Talking about men's health should never feel taboo. Promotion of proactive, evidence informed action is also empowering us. I recommend this motion to the House and encourage all members to support it. Let's work towards the goal of zero deaths from prostate cancer.

Matt Burnell (Spence, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to mark September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the impact of the most common cancer facing Australian men. Prostate cancer's reach is profound, affecting not only the men diagnosed but their partners, families and communities, who carry that burden alongside them. Behind every statistic is a real story of a father, a brother, a mate. Their journeys remind us why early detection, timely treatment and continued support matter so deeply. The Albanese government is committed to taking action, because we know that early detection and better treatment saves lives. That's why we have made the biggest investment in cancer nurses on record.

In 2023, the government delivered $166 million for the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program, the first of its kind. This program is helping patients navigate everything between diagnosis and recovery, ensuring that no-one is left alone in the complexity of a cancer journey. At the election, Labor also announced a $32 million package to strengthen Medicare and support men's health, recognising that prostate cancer is part of a wider challenge to how men engage with their health. Research conducted by the Movember Institute of Men's Health shows that, because of gender stereotypes, two in every three men avoid seeking health support. Almost half of men believe it is normal to avoid health checkups altogether. This culture costs lives. Talking about men's health, breaking down stigma and encouraging action are vital if we are to change outcomes.

I also recognise all healthcare professionals, whose work saves lives and supports families every day. They are supported by organisations such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and by countless community support groups who offer safe spaces and peer support. These networks remind us that strength is found not only in medicine but also in community, yet we must acknowledge the inequities that persist. Men in rural and regional Australia face longer wait times, higher costs and greater distances to care. First Nations men often face additional barriers, including the lack of culturally safe health services. Men with a family history of prostate cancer are at greater risk and need earlier, more proactive screening. These inequities demand action, and Labor is acting.

Beyond cancer treatment the Albanese government is also investing in men's health and wellbeing at the community level. We are delivering $20.7 million for grassroots initiatives that strengthen resilience and encourage men to seek support early. That includes $8.3 million to continue the men's sheds initiative, with grants of up to $10,000 for sheds around the country and new health promotion programs; $7.4 million to expand the Movember Ahead of the Game program in partnership with the AFL, helping young men build resilience and understand the importance of asking for help; $3 million to Healthy Male, delivering the Plus Paternal initiative to support men preparing for fatherhood and building good parenting skills; and $2 million to the Black Dog Institute, supporting research at the Dani Foley Centre for Health and Wellbeing, linked to St Kilda Football Club's annul Spud's Game at the MCG, which raises awareness of men's health, mental health and suicide prevention.

These initiatives remind us that cancer care and men's health are connected, but these conversations must go beyond the clinic. They need to be had at home, on the job site or at the footy field. Talking about health saves lives. Acting early on symptoms, taking up screening and reaching out for support—these choices give men the best chance to live long and well. Every Australian man deserves that chance, whether he lives in the city or in the regions, whether he comes from a First Nations community, whether he carries a family history of risk. This government must stand with them, and we are taking steps in the right direction to help our communities. Together we can change the future of prostate cancer and men's health in Australia.

I want to conclude by commending my good mate the Member for Hunter, who serves as the Special Envoy for Men's Health. His leadership is driving real improvements in how men's health is understood and supported, delivering both immediate outcomes and long-term benefits. The work he is doing is helping to create a healthier Australia today and a stronger future for generations of men to come. In closing, there's nothing tough about being silent and not seeking help. If you really want to be courageous, you've got to go and see your GP and get that little niggle checked out. You never know; it just might save your life.

Tom Venning (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to 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.

Zhi Soon (Banks, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to support the member for Hunter's motion. Like many of my colleagues have mentioned, September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, drawing attention to one of Australia's most commonly diagnosed cancers and the most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst Australian men. Sadly, in 2024, it was estimated that we lost more than 10 men to prostate cancer every single day. It is the simple but too often tragic reality that, if you can't get diagnosed, you can't get access to care, and, as the motion rightly notes, unfortunately, the barriers to diagnosis in our rural and remote communities are the largest, delaying access to timely care for patients. That is why access to general practitioners, specialists and the entire healthcare workforce is so important to detection, diagnosis, treatment and recovery for patients, and we acknowledge the life-changing, life-saving work that they do today.

This Labor government is working hard to improve the early detection and treatment of prostate cancer. In 2023, we invested $166 million in the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative that improves access to high-quality, multidisciplinary and integrated cancer services for all patients, irrespective of their type of cancer or whether they live as part of the biggest investment in cancer nurses on record. In addition to this investment, there's $35.4 million over four years to continue supporting the prostate cancer nurses delivered by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, an organisation that does fantastic work in this space.

The government has also listed a number of medications on the PBS to ensure life-changing treatments are affordable and accessible for all Australians. Earlier this year, talazoparib was listed for the first time to treat patients with metastatic prostate cancer and is expected to benefit 180 patients per year. Without this subsidy provided by the PBS, a course of treatment will cost patients around $101,000. Further, the government listed darolutamide for patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, making treatment accessible and affordable for about 5,000 men across this country.

Issues in the men's health space are incredibly complex. Statistics from Movember show that as many as two in every three men are foregoing health support due to real or perceived social pressures and gender stereotypes, with around half believing avoiding health check-ups is normal. We need to find ways to get men talking about their own health, and this government is partnering with Movember to provide training to primary healthcare workers and develop a strategy and a campaign to encourage men to visit the doctor. Often, the first step to diagnosing and treating prostate cancer is a trip to the GP and a simple blood test. I encourage men, especially those over 50 and with higher risk factors, to get to their GP to talk about the risks and the steps they can take to prevent and detect it. We have lost far too many men too early to prostate cancer. Don't leave it to chance.

This government takes health care seriously. You only need to look at our agenda to see that. For the first time ever, we have a Special Envoy for Men's Health to draw attention to men's health issues and to advocate for new and innovative solutions, particularly those in the mental health space. I can think of no better person in this Labor caucus for this role than the member for Hunter. Everyone in this place knows the depth of his passion for men's health, and he's thrown himself into this new role. I look forward to working with him to ensure that we lose fewer men too soon, be it to prostate cancer or to other mental health challenges. I thank him for bringing this very important motion to this parliament.

Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Centre Alliance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There being no further speakers, the debate is adjourned and the resumption of the debate will be made an order of the day for the next sitting.