APCRC-Q Supports PA MANdate Men's Health Initiative
The campaign encourages men to make a date with their GP for a General Health Check and to donate to men’s health research at the PA Hospital.
Men's Health Week raises awareness of preventable health issues and encourages early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. It provides a valuable opportunity to discuss key issues in men's health and to raise the profile of men, their health outcomes and health needs.
Professor Colleen Nelson, Executive Director of the Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland, based at the PA Hospital, explains “gram for gram the prostate is the most disease prone organ in men. After around age 50, it is common for the prostate to enlarge or become inflamed due to non-cancerous reasons, and on top of those problems, the occurrence of prostate cancer starts to markedly increase. In plumbing terms, the urine pipe (more like a hose) runs straight through the centre of the prostate which is a highly confined space. Therefore any prostate problem can disrupt the flow of urine, cause blood in the urine and make men feel urgency to urinate, especially at night. These are tell-tale signs something is awry with the prostate. Men should discuss these issues with their doctor, no matter how private they may think it is.”
“The main way men can improve the length and quality of their lives is to start taking a proactive personal interest in their health in general.
Men need to learn about the warning signs of a variety of health problems so they can be on the lookout for them. It's important to recognise the risk factors and signs of not only prostate problems, but also stress, depression, obesity, type 2 diabetes and joint and back pain. It's important to seek advice and ask questions from your doctor – no question is too trivial.
Improving the state of men’s health is also a community effort. We need to look out for the men in our lives, family and friends, and make sure they are okay. With awareness and encouragement, together we can make a big difference in the health and wellbeing of men.” says Professor Nelson.
