“I think everybody believes they’re going to live forever, even though they know they won’t. Nobody wants to be told, as I was last year, that they have five to seven years to live.”
In Australia, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.
Across the country, there are more than 200,000 men living with and beyond the disease. Many are dealing with serious side effects from treatment.
IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE LIKE THIS.
So we’re taking action.
We’ve spent years immersed in prostate cancer research, and in that time, we’ve pushed progress forward 50 years. How? By thinking differently, collaborating globally and investing quickly in what works.
By 2030 ...
We aim to halve the number of men dying from prostate cancer, and halve the number of men facing serious ongoing side effects from treatment.
“I'd like to imagine my son growing up in a world where prostate cancer can be cured. In a world where the way Dad freely talked about his health and his regular health checks isn’t unique, but the norm.”
Our weapons of choice? Innovation and collaboration. We think differently. We back fresh and promising ideas. We unite researchers and experts across the world to chase down breakthroughs in prostate cancer, from early detection through to diagnosis, treatment and support. And we’re always steered by the question: what works for men?
It’s not just about a cure – it’s about quality of life.
The plan of attack
1. Taking action early
Helping men know the signs, symptoms and risk factors for prostate cancer.
2. Bright minds brought together
We’re bringing the best minds from around the world together to collaborate.
3. Tackling biology
Increasing the knowledge of the most lethal prostate cancer tumours, and how to slow or stop its progression.
4. Reducing side effects
No matter where they are in the world, men and their families and carers must have access to services and support.
5. Affordable treatment
We’re influencing governments to provide affordable treatment and to get new treatments into practice faster.
6. Tailored treatments, precision care
Personalised treatment is the new frontier of cancer research. From distinguishing between harmless and lethal cancers, to taking into account genes, lifestyle and environment: it means a better outcome for men.
7. Helping men make tough choices
Men need the right info to understand their diagnosis and make an informed decision when it comes to treatment.
8. Raising the standard
We’re identifying excellence in prostate cancer treatment and care, to reduce the number of men who aren’t getting the best outcome possible.
9. Global initiatives
Our three largest investments in prostate cancer are global projects that will mean better outcomes for men everywhere.
Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects across more than 20 countries. Here’s a snapshot of our work in prostate cancer.
GLOBAL COLLABORATION
The key to progress? Collaboration. We connect researchers around the world, achieving faster results to reach men sooner. We share our successes and our failures so the scientific community doesn’t lose time to duplicating research.
Global Action Plan
Through its GAP initiatives, Movember works with leading researchers from around the world to identify key research areas that can best be addressed by a global collaborative and integrated effort. Projects include the development of diagnostic tests (biomarkers) that will optimise treatment decisions through to cutting edge imaging initiatives. Since 2011, Movember has invested AUD 43 million to establish seven international research initiatives to address some of the most challenging questions in prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
True North is a revolutionary global care project that helps men living with prostate cancer to access care and support that improves quality of life before, during and after treatment. It focuses on empowering men to make informed decisions when it comes to treatment and side effects. True North operates across 6 countries with a team of more than 400 collaborators.
Our Clinical Quality initiatives are transforming prostate cancer healthcare globally by building a better understanding of men’s experiences. By compiling reports from both doctors and patients throughout diagnosis and treatment – and comparing these experiences across regions – we’re raising the bar for prostate cancer care, continually learning and promoting excellence. These initiatives are active in 17 countries.
Prostate cancer research breakthrough
Movember funded research has discovered that men have a genetic “fingerprint” within their prostate cancer cells which will help build a more tailored treatment plan for men. This will help avoid overtreatment and side effects.
In addition to large-scale efforts that span the globe, we’re also making strides for men in Australia, in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Prostate cancer specialist nurses service
The first of its kind in Australia, this project offers the thousands of men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year accessible specialist nursing care through the entire cycle of their treatment.
7 year Mo Bro Jeff Holst is a Movember Young Investigator whose research funded by Movember and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) has led to a recent breakthrough.
Working directly with patients in a clinical trial, Professor Galvão and his team have linked the impact of muscle loss and the benefits of exercise for prostate cancer patients.
But there’s more to be done. Men with prostate cancer still face invasive treatments, serious treatment-related side effects and life or death questions. On top of all that, awareness around early detection has a long way to go. But we’re on it.
To get to where we want to be by 2030,
we need your help.