Many peninsula towns have more than 50 per cent higher incidences of prostate cancer than the rest of the country
The rate of prostate cancer diagnosis soars above the national average on the Mornington Peninsula, new figures reveal. Men are urged to look out for the early warning signs and raise concerns with their GP or the region’s dedicated prostate nurse.
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Mornington is the Victorian epicentre for a cancer that kills about 3500 Australian men every year.
The peninsula village had a staggering 73 per cent more cases of prostate cancer than the national average – the highest rate in Victoria.
The latest figures from the Cancer Council reveal the entire Mornington Peninsula and parts of Frankston all have higher than average rates of the cancer.
Many peninsula towns had more than 50 per cent higher incidences of the disease, including Rosebud/McCrae (68 per cent), Dromana (66 per cent) Red Hill and Mt Martha (both 64 per cent) Somerville (56 per cent).
Peninsula Prostate Cancer Support Group Inc member Winston Trood said the high numbers were not surprising.
“One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the time they reach 85,” Mr Trood said.
“There is an older demographic on the peninsula so it makes sense that our rates would be higher than average.”
The Mornington resident is now well after a battle with prostate cancer about six years ago.
“I’m cancer free. I was lucky. I caught it early,” he said.
The region was well supported with services for prostate cancer patients, he said.
“We are fortunate to have a number of urologists at both public and private hospitals and a prostate cancer specialist nurse based at The Bays Hospital in Mornington,” Mr Trood said.
The specialist position is funded through the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Meredith Studdert took on the role five years ago.
Her aim was to support men through initial diagnosis and treatment.
“People can refer themselves to me. They don’t have to see a urologist first,” she said.
Both Ms Studdert and Mr Trood said raising awareness about the disease was crucial.
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“Men over 50 and those over 40 with a family history of cancer should talk to their GP about getting tested,” Ms Studdert said.
An annual blood test that measures the level of prostate specific antigen in the blood can help detect the disease in people who are yet to show any symptoms.
Symptoms can include a frequent need to urinate, blood in the urine or semen, difficulty urinating and pain in the lower back, upper thighs or hips.
The Peninsula Prostate Cancer Support Group meets at Bentons Square Community Centre, 145 Bentons Rd, Mornington on the second Wednesday of each month (except January).