Mr THOMAS GEORGE (Lismore) [11.38 a.m.]: The House acknowledged Blue September this week, and in that context I draw to the attention of the House the honour I had recently of opening a Northern Rivers Prostate Cancer Awareness Seminar in Lismore. The seminar was convened by the Northern Rivers Prostate Cancer Support Group and chaired by Bob Anderson. Guest speakers who presented excellent papers to the seminar included David Hughes, a men's health nurse who specialises in prostate cancer support, and Dr Charles Chabert, a urologist.

Mr Bob Abbott, who is no stranger to this State, made a presentation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia [PCFA] on behalf of Men of League by. I thank the Men of League for their financial support. I add that I am proud to be member of the Men of League association. Graeme Higgs, the Queensland manager of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, made the keynote speech and Councillor Ray Houston of the Lismore City Council made the seminar's concluding remarks. Prostate cancer awareness is a major problem. Dr David Kerle, who is a urologist in Lismore, has been a great advocate and has encouraged men to speak out on this issue. In July last year, Alan Jones went public about his battle with prostate cancer. He stated:

I was also mindful in making my condition public that there are many men who do not yet understand that they need not become victims of this disease.

This is very much the breast cancer of men.

For years Alan Jones emphasised on his radio program the importance of consulting doctors and asking simple questions about men's health. He also stated:

There is no vanity in that.

It really is common sense.

But sadly, on men's health matters above all else, commonsense is not common

Australian men over 50 have a dreadful record in relation to prostate cancer.

And it's because they have an equally dreadful record in getting check-ups.

This is a problem that every male must be aware of, especially those over the age of 40. Just as important as having the test is men knowing their family's medical history. Men could find out whether they are likely to have prostate problems by simply knowing their family history. If there is a family history of prostate problems, the percentage of risk increases with the number of people in the family who have been diagnosed with a prostate problem. I was concerned when the urologist said that the median result of the blood test was four. A blood test one year could have a result well below four. Men need to be aware if the result is one in the first year and two the next year because, while that is still below the median, something is happening. They need to keep asking their doctor questions. Even though they are still under the median figure, what were the results of the last three tests? Have the results changed, even though they might still be under the median figure?

I encourage men to have themselves tested. I congratulate Bob Anderson and his team—I do not want to single anyone out. As Chairman of the Northern Rivers Prostate Cancer Support Group, Bob heads up a great team of men on the North Coast who put a lot of effort into supporting people with prostate problems. He has organised two information seminars in Lismore, and they have both been well attended. I encourage men, in line with their family history, to have not only the blood test but also the other prostate test. It is important that men try to combat prostate problems, which are increasing every year. More men are being tested each year, which is why prostate problems are being picked up a lot earlier. That is a great way of solving this problem.