Townsville Business Challenge Group holding annual Prostate Cancer Charity Gala Ball

A Townsville charity ball is shining a spotlight on prostate cancer, with alarming data revealing local men face a higher risk than the average Aussie. Here’s how you can join the fight and make a difference.

Last year’s Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia Charity Gala Ball in Townsville: Guest speaker Craig Hamilton, MC Glenn Mintern, Townsville Business Challenge Chairperson Peter Walker and hypnotist Marky Anthony.

Townsville men are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer compared to the national average, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

With 2,400 men in the Townsville region currently living with the disease and 220 new diagnoses this year, the call for local men to prioritise their health is more pressing than ever.

The Townsville Business Challenge Group have made it their mission to educate and inform locals on the disease and raise much-needed funds for research.

The group are set to hold their annual Blue, Black and White Gala Dinner at The Ville on November 16, aiming to make a difference and start conversations about prostate checks and awareness of prostate cancer.

Spokesman Peter Walker said a lot of men don’t know their risk of developing prostate cancer doubles if they have a father or brother with the disease.

“Also, if you have two or more relatives who have been diagnosed, your risk increases five-fold,” he said.

“It’s information like this that we can help drive home and ensure that local blokes are informed.”

“Our Gala dinner is all about having those important conversations, raising much-needed awareness about the disease, and funds for PCFA’s work locally,” Mr Walker said.

“Many blokes don’t talk about their health, and it’s a topic we can’t afford to ignore.”

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia chief executive Anne Savage said she encourages men to understand their risk factors and consider a test to improve early detection.

“In Townsville, men have a 26 per cent higher risk of being diagnosed with the disease and a 16 per cent higher risk of dying from the disease compared with other Australians,” Ms Savage said.

“Of concern, only 1 in 3 prostate cancers in the region are detected at Stage 1, when the disease is easiest to beat. We urgently need to change that.”

Glenn ‘Minty’ Mintern will MC the event and guest speakers include Urologist Dr Kiran Hazratwala, Phoenix the Mentalist, and Mark Hughes from the Mark Hughes Foundation.

“We are tremendously grateful to have the local community’s support, which helps us to fund new research, new specialist nurses, and new awareness activities that benefit men and families in the local area,” Ms Savage said.

“Every 20 minutes, one of our fathers or sons will hear the news that he has prostate cancer. We know that many local families are facing prostate cancer right now and will need special care and support.

“We are proud to work with champions in the local community to make this happen and ensure these men are supported.”

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia are also pledging to double all donations made via their website until November 21 as part of their Giving Day. They are hoping to raise $200,000 nationally to fund clinical trials to help discover new medicines and treatments for men with prostate cancer.

Tickets to the Gala event can be purchased from townsvillebusinesschallenge.com.au

For more information visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia website.

Originally published as Townsville Business Challenge Group holding annual Prostate Cancer Charity Gala Ball