Four club members had prostate checks on Friday night and are encouraging other blokes to do the same.

Ron Maloney, Andrew Lenon, John Cafe and Brad Brotherton are all the right age to have regular checks. 

The group said they were taking the test for peace of mind and to remove some of the stigma around the exam. 

Bombers senior coach Matt Fleet said guys need to get past any “embarrassment” and get the test. 

“You can’t be embarrassed if you’re dead,” Fleet said. 

Performing the check-ups was Bega Urological Robotic surgeon Dr Chi Can Huynh, who was happy to help raise awareness. 

The Bombers were happy to report all four checks came back clear. 

“It doesn’t take long and it gives you peace of mind,” Fleet said. 

Dr Huynh addressed the Bombers before the exams on Friday night.

“Prostate cancer is the second most common killer in Australia,” Dr Huynh said. 

“One in seven men have it, and country men have it worse.”

Early diagnosis and treatment is hugely influential in the outcome of prostate cancer. 

“Part of examination, now at least, is that you need a blood test and finger exam at least once at age 40.

“And an annual test from age 50 onwards.

 “It has to start somewhere, even if a biopsy is positive it doesn’t always lead to surgery, so there is very little to lose and a lot to gain,” he said. 

Excuse the pun, but the exam is an in-and-out procedure, it only takes a matter of minutes and could save someone’s life, or years of pain and treatment. 

To coincide with the checks, the Bombers held a charity auction with guest speakers at the Commercial Hotel on Friday night. 

Dr Huynh spoke to the audience about getting check ups done and two survivors also spoke of the experience they had with prostate cancer. 

 The auction was a successful event and will hopefully aid in getting more men willing to get the exam done. 

• See the full story in Friday’s BDN.