In particular, the Port Macquarie-based Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Diane Pead wants men to talk to their GP about having their Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) checked.

“There may be no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer, so it is important for men to have the PSA conversation with their doctor,” Ms Pead said.

“About 20,000 Australians are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, making it the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. About 3000 men die of the disease every year, which is more than women who die of breast cancer.”

Long-time supporter of the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute, the Hastings Auto Restorers Society has also put its weight behind the health message targeting men.

This week the group donated $5500 to the unit, bringing its total to a remarkable $48,000 since 2009.

One of the club’s most recognised faces, Ron ‘Rocket’ Turnbull, a prostate cancer survivor, spends much of his time selling raffle tickets to help support the unit.

Proceeds from the annual raffle this year totalled $4300 with proceeds from the club’s very wet swap meet in June bringing the donation to $5500.

“The weather wasn’t kind to us this year, but we are determined to crack the $50,000 mark next year,” Mr Turnbull said.

“Our club continues to make donations to the cancer institute because of the support we receive from the community.

“IGA Supermarket at Wauchope, the cancer services team at the hospital, Settlement City and Bunnings pitch in every year to make our raffle the success that it is and our swap meet makes a big contribution because of the support of the State Emergency Service and Port Macquarie Racecourse.

“A number of club members help throughout the year selling raffle tickets, including Norma Dwyer, Mickey Foster, Len Colbert and Peter Denham.

“It’s a team effort, and we’re delighted to be able to make a difference,” Mr Turnbull said.

MNCCI Nursing Unit Manager Jenny Baroutis said the generosity of people like Mr Turnbull, who with his wife donates $160 worth of groceries to the raffle each year and then spends hundreds of hours selling tickets, was greatly appreciated.

“It’s a big commitment and we can’t thank the club enough for its support over many years,” Ms Baroutis said.

“As the number of patients we work with increases, we are able to continue to provide the support they need through equipment and hardship assistance because of the generosity of individuals and clubs, such as the Hastings Auto Restorers,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ms Pead’s message to all men this Father’s Day is that support is available to those with a prostate cancer diagnosis.

“We have a support group which meets at the MNCCI on the second Thursday of the month between 5 and 6pm,” Ms Pead said.

“There’s usually a guest speaker and a chance for members to chat among themselves. And partners are very welcome to also attend.

“They can share experiences through the support group and learn more about the disease, the side effects and how to manage them, and, in turn, they can help raise awareness about prostate cancer among their friends and colleagues and in the local community,” Ms Pead said.