Country footballers will have access to free checks for prostate cancer thanks to a partnership between The Hospital Research Foundation Group and Country Football WA.
Prostate cancer statistics and free testing
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australian men, accounting for almost 30 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in Australian men. Free blood tests will be available for men over the age of 18 at the Country Football Championships’ men’s finals on Sunday, July 12, at Fremantle Community Bank Oval.
The prostate specific antigen testing will be facilitated by MediTests, with referrals issued on the day. The test has been provided free of charge courtesy of The Hospital Research Foundation Group’s partner Subi Group.
Benefits for regional communities
The Hospital Research Foundation Group’s growth impact lead Ben Wilson said the partnership offered increased ease of access for people living in regional areas. “I think all of us would have a friend, colleague or family member who has been impacted by prostate cancer, and the research tells us that the earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat,” he said.
The championships will also offer a mixture of awareness and fundraising activities, including a raffle to win a night at Crown Perth.
Football community involvement
Country Football WA and WA Football Foundation spokesperson Louis Tanner said they were happy to play their part in creating awareness and removing stigma. “It’s a great opportunity to combine an event that attracts a large crowd, many of whom travel for hours or days from regional and remote parts of the State to attend,” he said.
“Being able to provide a health service that may be challenging to access regionally is a benefit we are proud of and will continue to look for opportunities to do so at other events on the football calendar.”
The Country Football Championships will be held across Perth from July 9 to 12.
