BLUE SEPTEMBER NEWS

Mudgee Guardian & Gulgong Advertiser - Be cancer aware in Blue September

Last Updated: Thursday 9th of September 2010 at 05:15:52 PM

Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) Frank Sartor has encouraged everyone to wear blue to support Blue September a campaign to raise awareness that one in two NSW men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and he encouraged men to seek advice from their GP

Mr Sartor said men in NSW are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than women. "Each year, more than 7000 NSW men die of cancer, and 20,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed," Mr Sartor said. "These are daunting statistics, and lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol and lack of physical activity are driving the increases of some types of cancer in NSW men.

"Healthy habits and early detection can play a role in reducing these numbers." Mr Sartor said we want our fathers to be with us next father's day, so we're asking men to be more aware of their health and take simple steps to avoid a cancer diagnosis. "Be aware of the symptoms and speak to your GP if you're concerned," Mr Sartor said.