PROSTATE cancer awareness is an important issue for David Campbell.
Having experienced the cancer himself, he knows the devastating impacts that it has for men who do not detect it early enough.
That's why he was in Mansfield last week, raising awareness for those in the High Country about the dangers this cancer has.
The Prostate Cancer Rally through the Victorian High Country has given residents and visitors an opportunity to learn more about the cancer and get tested.
David emphasised the importance that early detection has for those who may have the cancer.
"There is no cure; what really works is early detection," he said.
"I have had friends who have gone and got tested, found out they had the cancer, had it out early and it is gone."
Michael O'Reilly, a pharmacist from Wagga Wagga who also took part in the rally, said education is one of the most important things to break down stigmas around prostate cancer.
"As soon as you talk to anyone about prostate cancer, the first subject is about [invasive procedures] being done to them which is not the case anymore," he said.
"Prostate cancer is insidious.
"If you had a melanoma on your hand, you would see it.
"Blokes could have prostate cancer without knowing."
The rally spent two nights in Mansfield, taking a day to explore the four–wheel–drive tracks on offer in the Mount Stirling area.
Michael noted the impact that their campaign has had on locals and passers–by, sparking conversations otherwise not brought up.
"If, in our conversations, we can get someone who was initially reluctant to maybe walk away after speaking to us and get tested, that is really important," he said.
The stickers on the side of their cars have prompted many locals to ask questions, allowing survivors and supporters to educate rural communities about the importance of getting tested and knowing the impacts that prostate cancer has.
"When I have a prostate cancer shirt on and driving a car with a prostate cancer sticker on it and someone says, 'What are you guys doing?' it's an unbelievable opportunity to broach a subject that blokes won't," Michael said.
Rural towns like Mansfield don't have specialised prostate cancer treatment centres and locals often have to rely on general practitioners and local health professionals to help at–risk men.
"Our job as a health community is to encourage guys to check for it," Michael said.
Unlike other cancers, prostate cancer is harder to detect by individuals and it is often too late when it is detected.
Regular testing and early detection is essential for the survival of patients and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia hopes that their services and events like the rally will reduce the risk that It has on the community.
All money raised on this trip will go to research to help achieve better health outcomes for men.
