The Andrews Labor Government will provide $1.1 million over the next four years to raise awareness about men’s health and prostate cancer, and to support research into the disease.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among Victorian men. In 2013, there were 4,257 new cases of prostate cancer in Victoria, making up 27 per cent of all new male cancers diagnosed. Sadly, 729 men died from the disease last year.
The new funding was announced at the EJ Whitten 20th Commemorative Dinner by Premier Andrews and Minister for Health Jill Hennessy.
Named in honour of Victorian football legend Ted Whitten, who passed away 20 years ago from prostate cancer, the EJ Whitten Foundation raises awareness of prostate cancer and promotes regular testing and early detection.
The Foundation will be provided with $500,000 to develop and roll out a new men’s health initiative called “Inspiring men, saving lives”, which will include community education sessions and encourage men to take ownership of their individual health and wellbeing and have regular health checks.
Prostate cancer has the third highest survival rate of all cancers, with 93 per cent of Victorian men surviving five years after a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
A prominent research fellowship for a leading prostate cancer researcher in Victoria will also be established through the Victorian Cancer Agency.
The EJ Whitten Mid-Career Research Fellowship of $600,000 will support ground breaking prostate cancer research that will improve patient outcomes and cancer survival rates.
Since its establishment in 2006, the Victorian Cancer Agency has invested $130 million into translational cancer research, including $6.8 million for prostate cancer.
For more information about the Victorian Cancer Agency funding, or to apply for the EJ Whitten Mid-Career Research Fellowship, visit .
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“The EJ Whitten Foundation does fantastic work and this funding will help them run more campaigns and more activities to encourage men to take care of their health and have regular health checks.”
“Victoria is home to some of the world’s leading cancer experts and this new scholarship will ensure Ted Whitten’s legacy in fighting prostate cancer lives on.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“Men’s health affects all of us – it’s our dads, our brothers, our husbands and partners, and our friends. We need to encourage the men in our lives to have regular health checks because it could save their life.”
“We’re investing in medical research because we know that advances in treatments and technologies mean better outcomes for patients.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020