Men’s Health Peer Education volunteers raise prostate cancer awareness

Recently, a group of DVA’s Men’s Health Peer Education (MHPE) volunteers gathered at the DVA office in Adelaide for a training session to improve their understanding of common men’s health issues. The session also detailed DVA and community supports and services available to veterans and families. The volunteers will pass on the information to their local veteran communities, and provide support.

The health awareness topic for the day was prostate cancer – the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men. A prostate cancer specialist nurse from the Royal Adelaide Hospital and representatives from the Cancer Council SA delivered a comprehensive presentation on awareness, research and support. MHPE Volunteer John Hunter and his wife Sue then discussed their lived experience of the disease.

Our SA Deputy Commissioner Janice Silby along with Director of Strategic Programs Darrin Tyson and Community Support Adviser Neil Davies rounded out the session with important updates on DVA programs and supports, particularly those focusing on mental and social health.

Ex-service or veteran support organisations interested in prostate cancer information sessions can email COMMUNITYSUPPORT [at] dva.gov.au (COMMUNITYSUPPORT[at]dva[dot]gov[dot]au) to find out more.

For more information on the MHPE program, visit the Men’s Health Peer Education program page or email MensHealth [at] dva.gov.au (MensHealth[at]dva[dot]gov[dot]au).

DVA would also like to acknowledge information and support provided by Man Up! Australia.