A Northern Rivers prostate cancer support group is calling on men to rethink outdated assumptions about the disease, warning it is no longer confined to older age groups and highlighting the life-saving impact of early detection.
Bob Corney, convenor of the Northern Rivers Prostate Cancer Support Group, has led the Alstonville-based group for seven years after being nominated by his predecessor shortly before his passing.
‘When our group commenced, prostate cancer was seen as an old man’s disease, which has changed greatly,’ Mr Corney said.
He points to recent cases of men in their 30s being diagnosed, including one who died leaving behind a young family, and another whose cancer was detected early and successfully treated.
‘That’s our aim – to save lives,’ he said. ‘The only way we can do that is encourage people to have a test early.’
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, around 25,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer nationally each year, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men. Survival rates have improved significantly, with more than 95 per cent of men surviving at least five years when the disease is detected early.
In Northern NSW, incidence rates are slightly above the national average, reflecting the region’s older population profile. However, health experts say increasing awareness and earlier testing are improving outcomes across regional communities.
Mr Corney said attitudes around testing were shifting, with men now encouraged to begin screening earlier — from around age 35, or even 30 if there is a family history.
‘You want to stay out of that group of late diagnosis,’ he said. ‘Be early – early testing, early treatment.’
The support group, which meets monthly in Alstonville and Lismore, plays a dual role: raising awareness in the community and providing practical and emotional support for those diagnosed.
At meetings, members share their treatment experiences, offering insight into a range of options that have evolved significantly in recent years.
‘There’s so many different types of treatment now,’ Mr Corney said. ‘People can listen to that and make up their own mind – we don’t force any recommendation.’
Beyond medical decisions, the group provides something equally important – connection.
‘The camaraderie is more than anything,’ he said. ‘If someone walks in and sees 15 blokes saying, ‘I’ve had treatment and I’m okay’, it gives them a sense of relief.’
Mr Corney said the emotional impact of a diagnosis can be profound, not only for patients but for their families, with the group also encouraging partners to attend.
‘The important message is: be tested younger,’ he said. ‘It’s not an old man’s disease.’
The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 10am to 12pm at the Plateau Sports Club, with an evening session on the first Wednesday of the month in Lismore. New members are welcome to attend or make contact for more information.
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