MEDIA RELEASE
Peak body for prostate cancer commends new research funding…
but seeks government follow up on Super-Clinic benefits
Thursday 19th November 2009: The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) has today
commended the Federal Government on its announcement to fund or co-fund a further $7.6million
worth of priority-driven cancer research.
Some of these funds will go toward prostate cancer-focused research projects that seek to reduce
the side effects associated with existing prostate cancer treatments without affecting how well
those treatments work.
However, according to PCFA Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Giles, current interest in cancer
research should not overshadow the important challenge of improving health services for men
with prostate cancer. In particular, he is keen to see the Federal Government support the PCFA
proposal to provide comprehensive services for men with prostate cancer via the proposed
Australian GP Super Clinics.
GP Super Clinics are a key element in building a stronger national primary care system, including
a greater focus on health promotion and illness prevention and better coordination between
privately provided GP services, community health and other State and Territory Government
funded services
PCFA has a submission before the Federal Government whereby PCFA will partner with each GP
Super Clinic to develop men’s health treatment centres to ensure that there is adequate
information and/or access to a relevant support person dedicated to talking to men about their
health.
The Men’s Health Treatment Centres would enable Australian men to:
Be made aware of prostate cancer as a major health issue;
Access world class medical support in term of diagnosis of prostate cancer;
Access world class ongoing treatment for whichever treatment modality they have
chosen; and
Receive information and advice on other key health issues such as depression,
diabetes, heart disease and testicular cancer.
Given men’s reluctance to see the doctors and seek treatment, the centres would aim to provide
men privacy and an environment catered to their needs.
“Research is clearly an important part of the equation in helping us deal better with prostate
cancer in the future. But developing Men’s Health Treatment Centres within the GP Super Clinics
would help us provide better services to men diagnosed with prostate cancer here and now,” said
Mr Giles.
Ends
For more information regarding this media statement
or for interviews with Andrew Giles, please contact
Martin Palin (0418 419 258) or Karina Candia (0402 307 056)
at Palin Communications on 02 9412 2255.
NEWS 
