New figures just released by The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show a major rise in the number of cases of prostate cancer, which now make up 16 per cent of all cancers.

There are now 26,368 new cases reported each year, 72 each day and 11 men die every 24 hours or 3,900 a year. These figures are alarming considering the advancements of treatments available in recent years and the research into the early diagnoses of the disease.

We are losing the battle. More research is needed, to help raise funds for research, this September Prostate Cancer Month you could participate in The LONG RUN. All that you need to do is walk or run 72 sponsored kilometres and donate the proceeds to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. For further information call Charlie 63611830.

After 15 years of hosting the Orange Prostate Group, Ray and I will not be available to organise the meetings after September. Members have been asked to consider stepping up to run the group in the future.

Members have been asked to decide where the September meeting is to be held and whether for morning or afternoon tea, or an early evening meeting with a meal after. The date of Tuesday, September 3 has been suggested.

If anybody has any suggestions, please call Charlie or Ray on 63625257

As usual our meetings are open to all members of the public.

If you are interested, call us.