Four tips on how businesses can help break the stigma of prostate cancer

Research suggests 24,217 Australian men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 with expectations that one in six men will be diagnosed by the age of 85. Staggering figures, often tied to an individual suffering in silence – potentially right now in your workplace.

While prostate is one of the dominating cancers in Australia, its tied to a stigma often driven by lack of understanding in the side-effects which impact on a man’s quality of life following treatment and diagnosis. Predominantly these include sexual dysfunction and incontinence with some men describing the experience as an “emasculating journey”.

Men, partners, colleagues or even leaders at work dealing with prostate cancer are often suffering in silence, feel alone, isolated or even embarrassed. Mental and physical wellbeing, productivity and motivation will instantly decline.

Businesses can play a vital role in breaking the stigma of prostate cancer by advocating education of the condition and endorsing an open and inclusive space where mens health down under becomes a normalised conversation and an open and inclusive space for employees to come to work and feel comfortable to seek support from those around them.

This will take more than just HR policies, so here are four tips on how to get started and drive change, breaking the stigma of prostate cancer.

1. Knowledge is power

Prostate is now the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia with expectations of aggressive diagnosis to double by 2028, overtaking breast cancer. Interestingly, we tend to hear and know more about one over the other.

Awareness backed by facts goes a long way. Investing the time and effort to educate your employees, colleagues, business leaders and CEOs (men and women) the severity of prostate cancer is key to building the awareness and a step closer to normalising the discussion.

Where to start? Take part in educative campaigns such as involvement with September Prostate Cancer Awareness month or bringing in guest speakers from men’s health associations to discuss health down under, sexual health and educative sessions for teams. For instance, most men are unaware how easy it is to be checked. From the age of 50, a simple blood test every two years is the perfect place to start. For those with family history of prostate cancer, checks from age 40 is recommended.

Don’t forget to include women in the conversation. While only men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s important to also communicate with women too as they are the partners, family members and/or friends who are often the ones who are the support system and will identify the signs and symptoms.

2. Spread the word

To get the word out to men and women the workplace simply raises awareness for prostate cancer by taking on internal campaigns and events. For example, the next website blog, EDM, LinkedIn post, internal events or national events like ‘Movember’ competition. This not only educates employees, but it also drives an engaging way to encourage normalisation around the conversation which provides encouragement that the male needs to both seek help and open up, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

This can be as simple as having an open conversation with your colleague at lunch or posting a LinkedIn post on prostate cancer awareness, sign and symptoms, management and areas for support.

3. Participate in events, fundraisers and initiatives

A study conducted by Foresters revealed that 82 per cent of consumers prefer businesses who participate in events, fundraisers and initiatives. By supporting initiatives and charities like Movember and The Long Run– these are great conversation starters for prostate cancer awareness, is a step forward in breaking the stigma and actively helps people affected by prostate cancer by donating your time, resources and/or money.

Movember is a fundraiser where men around the world grow a moustache to raise awareness and funds for men’s health – namely prostate cancer, mental health and testicular cancer. The fundraiser is a fun and interactive initiative for the workplace to promote team building and boost employee morale knowing employees are working in a business that is making a difference.

The Long Run is an event put on by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australian for survivors of prostate cancer – running a total of 72km. Participating in events are not only a great opportunity to contribute to a good cause but also to network with other companies and increase morale and commitment amongst staff to get out of the office for a day.

4. Be inclusive

Other ways to break the stigma of prostate cancer is to be inclusive. This can be achieved by installing male sanitary bins in toilets allowing men to comfortably dispose of their continence pads. This can then double as a conversation starter as well as having the practical benefits for men needing them.

At Mens Health Downunder, we've supported thousands of patients and their partners all with their own unique story, needs and situation - we know by ensuring a patient is well supported by their healthcare team, their family, their employer and so on that their outcomes will be better as will their quality of life.

If you’re struggling to cope, have an open and honest conversation with your friends, family, seek advice from your local GP or speak to one of the specialists at Mens Health Downunder.

About Brad Butt:

Brad Butt is the founder and lead pharmacist at Mens Health Downunder with more than 15 years experience in pharmacy. Mens Health Downunder was founded to address the growing need for men to have access to professional expertise about their urological health issues, without any embarassment or concern.

Brad is an experienced managing partner with a demonstrated history working in the pharmaceutical industry. Skilled in Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Mangement and Strategic Planning. He has a strong focus on professional services with a particular interest in men’s urological health and the medications and devices men can use to address their urological and sexual health issues.

About Mens Health Downunder:

Mens Health Downunder is proudly owned and operated by a group of Australian pharmacists who have been in the pharmaceutical and medical industry for over 20 years. The Company was founded in 2015 owing to a lack of reliable and cost effective endorsed medical grade treatments for men who were going through what could be considered one of the most turbulent times of their lives. Run by pharmacists passionate about men’s health - the aim is to maximise outcomes for every patient but most importantly break the stigma and reduce the embarrassment so men openly ask questions and confidently address health concerns. Mens Health Downunder champion direct, personalised contact.