Carlton and Collingwood will battle it out for the Richard Pratt Cup tonight at the MCG. The Pratt Cup aims to raise awareness of prostate cancer, by urging Victorian men over the age of 50 to visit their GP for a prostate check.
Along with the traditional pre-match guard of honour comprising of people who have been personally touched by the disease, a special 32 seconds of applause will take place to demonstrate the football community’s support for the 32 men diagnosed with prostate cancer each day.
The match also honours Richard Pratt, who passed away in April 2009 following a long battle with prostate cancer. Richard’s involvement with the Carlton Football Club spanned nearly 60 years as a sponsor, director, president and patron.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting Australian men with 32 males diagnosed with the disease each day and one in nine Australian men set to develop it in their lifetime.
Carlton Football Club defender, Michael Jamison, hopes the blockbuster game will encourage men to be more proactive about their prostate health.
“We’re proud to be a part of this game that helps raise awareness for prostate health and money for the Richard Pratt Fellowships in Prostate Cancer Research Foundation," Jamison said.
“We want men around Victoria, regardless of their family history, to visit their local GP and ensure they are regularly screened for prostate cancer, it could be a lifesaving decision."
For further information or to donate to the Richard Pratt Fellowships in Prostate Cancer Research Foundation visit www.carltonfc.com.aurpc
About the Richard Pratt Fellowships in Prostate Cancer Research
The Richard Pratt Fellowships in Prostate Cancer Research has been established by the family of the late Richard Pratt who suffered from the disease.
The initiative provides fellowships to researchers aiming to identify significantly improved treatment for sufferers of prostate cancer. Each year the Fellowship commits funds to individual applicants who are conducting translational research in prostate cancer.
Money raised through the Richard Pratt Cup will be used to help fund the Fellowship, ultimately facilitating improved treatments for prostate cancer sufferers. Early career researchers working in any area related to prostate cancer are invited to apply for the Fellowship at www.victoriancanceragency.org.au/. The Fellowship applicant will be selected by an eminent panel in prostate cancer research.
Early career is defined as a person holding a Master’s degree, a PhD, or equivalent research doctorate, awarded within the last five years.
