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ABOUT $3500 was raised for prostate cancer research during a charity auction held by the Bega Bombers last Friday.
The club held a charity auction and dinner night at the Commercial Hotel, Bega.
With an interest of raising awareness, and funds, to help prevent the second most fatal cancer in men, four Bombers had examinations on Friday.
Bega Urological Robotic Surgeon, Dr Chi Can Huynh spoke on the night alongside two prostate cancer survivors, Peter Dickson and Peter Terry.
There has been a developing culture of embarrassment, or shyness, in men to avoid a prostate check.
Dr Huynh said it was a simple procedue.
“It’s so important that we are here tonight to spread the word,” Dr Huynh said.
“It’s actually quite simple, it’s a blood test and an examination, you only need it once a year.”
A positive testing also doesn’t mean you will have prostate cancer, but early detection can help in cases where it is diagnosed.
“If there was something, it’s more likely we that we can fix it for you,” Dr Huynh said.
“The earlier that we fix it for you, the easier it is to fix and the better you’ll end up, there is a lot that we can do.”
Dr Huynh said men should not be embarrassed and seek advice from there local GP once at age 40 and yearly from age 50.
“The best thing is to just inquire with your local doctors and then if you do need to see someone more specialised then go for it,
“It’s good to have the information on board and then make the right decision.”
Ironically longevity is one of the leading causes of prostate cancer Dr Huynh said.
“Previously, prostate cancer wouldn’t really kill you, but now we are living longer, it has more time to do bad and that is why it is coming to the forefront.”
Prostate cancer survivor Peter Dickson encouraged everyone to get checked as it can save your life.
“Everybody might be frightened about ‘the finger’ and everything else, but believe me, it’s better than having cancer.”
Dickson said he was in his second stage of treatment, but it had been a rough ride.
“I had basically no symptoms.
“If I hadn’t of gone and gotten checked, I might not be standing here tonight.
“Don’t be afraid of going and getting checked out, because it will get you if you don’t.”
Meanwhile, Bega’s Michael Grant, whose dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer had a powerful message for the audience.
“Cancer is a very daunting word,” Grant said.
“You don’t really understand what it means until it grabs you.”
A strong support network of family, friends and a good doctor can make the difference.
“Dad didn’t really understand what was going on, so I asked Can to help.
“He said to Dad, ‘you’ve got prostate cancer, you’re going to die one day with prostate cancer, it’s my job to make sure you don’t die from prostate cancer’.
“And Dad just looked at him and said ‘well mate, I hope you do a good job’.”
Grant said the support made all the difference for his dad’s condition.
“You need someone in your corner.
“The way he said that to dad, his mind was right from then on, if you’ve got a good doctor and good support you can do anything ... and with cancer, you need that,” he said.