* There were 5,913 new cases of prostate cancer in NSW in 2005

* It is the third most common cause of cancer death in men. In 2005, 980 men died of prostate cancer in NSW

* Based on 2005 figures, 1 in 7 men in NSW will develop prostate cancer by the age of 75

* The good news is that early detection has a good prognosis and the survival rate has continued to improve from 59.4 per cent in 1980-83 to 88.3 per cent in 1993-2003. This is largely due men beginning to discuss the disease. Alan’s choice to go public will raise awareness further and hopefully encourage men to take the necessary precautions on prostate cancer

Risk factors

* Family history is a key risk factor for prostate cancer. The risk is increased in men who have more than one relative or a first-degree relative, such as father, brother or son, with prostate cancer, or a family member diagnosed before the age of 60

* Incidence rates and mortality rates increase with age and 35% of new cases and 64% of deaths occurred in males aged 75 and over

* Prostate cancer is a rare disease before the age of 50 but is the most common cancer from 55 years of age

Deciding on treatment

* Your urologist will advise you on the best treatment after considering your age, general health, how fast the prostate cancer is growing (the grade) and whether it has spread (the stage). The side effects you are prepared to accept is also important

* The treatments for localised prostate cancer include surgery and radiotherapy. If the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, hormone therapy may be used. You may have one of these treatments or a combination.

What support is available?

At Cancer Council we have Telephone support groups on prostate cancer, Cancer Council Connect where those diagnosed can speak 1:1 with a prostate cancer survivor, who has undergone similar treatment.

Cancer Council Helpline

* The Cancer Council Helpline is a telephone information and support service for people affected by cancer. It is a confidential service where you can talk about your concerns and needs with specialist cancer nurses. The nurses can send you written information and put you in touch with appropriate services in your own area.

* Alan is hugely supportive of Cancer Council’s annual prostate cancer call in – staffed by experts and survivors, which encourages men to call up to discuss their concerns. About 800 men call up in just one day.

Cancer support groups

* Cancer support groups offer mutual support and information to people with cancer and their families. It can help to talk with others who have gone through the same experience. Your hospital may run a support group: check with your doctor, nurse or social worker.

* Joining a consumer advocacy group can also be a rewarding experience for some people.

Talk to someone who’s been there

* Cancer Council Connect can put you in touch with a trained volunteer who has been through a similar cancer experience and understands how you’re feeling.

All of these services can be contacted on telephone - 13 11 20.