Victorian Minister for Health and Carlton Football Club encourage men to check for prostate cancer

Jul 13 2011

The Victorian Government has joined forces with The Pratt Foundation and Carlton Football Club to launch the Richard Pratt Fellowships in Prostate Cancer Research.

Richard Pratt Fellowships in Prostate Cancer Research is an initiative which funds and facilitates research into prostate cancer. Each Fellowship will be awarded to an individual early in their career to conduct translational research into the disease. The Victorian Government has provided $300,000 towards the program.

The initiative is key in fighting prostate cancer by enabling better treatment and care sufferers. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Australian men, with one in nine expected to develop it in their lifetime and nearly 20,000 Australians diagnosed each year.

Richard Pratt Cup ambassador, star player Bryce Gibbs, said the new initiative will be crucial in the development of prostate cancer treatment.

“Each year, close to 3,300 men die of prostate cancer in Australia - equal to the number of women who die from breast cancer. It is important that men are more proactive about their prostate health,” Mr Gibbs said.

To raise awareness and funds for the Richard Pratt Fellowship in Prostate Cancer Research, the Carlton and Collingwood Football Clubs will battle it out at the MCG on Saturday, 16 July for the Richard Pratt Cup.

The blockbuster match will see former Carlton coach and prostate cancer survivor, David Parkin, lead 50 footy fans affected by prostate cancer on field to form a guard of honour pre-game, to pay tribute to prostate cancer victims.

“We want the Richard Pratt Cup to raise awareness of the unfortunate prevalence of prostate cancer.

“This weekend’s match is all about encouraging footy fans and men across the country to consult their GP and speak freely about prostate cancer,” Mr Parkin said.

Those attending the Round 17 match can make a donation to the Richard Pratt Fellowships in Prostate Cancer Research via one of the collectors patrolling the MCG or via Carlton’s online shop at www.carltonfc.com.au\RPC.

The Richard Pratt Fellowships in Prostate Cancer Research has been established in honour of the late Richard Pratt who suffered from the disease.