THE Annual Door Knock Appeal is in full swing, and this year Western District Health Service (WDHS) is raising funds for a prostate biopsy machine for Hamilton Base Hospital.

Prostate cancer affects 205 out of every 1000 men in regional Australia. Sadly, cancer rates are high, and survivorship is low in country areas.

Local farmer, Roland Cameron, the Male Bag Foundation and WDHS are working together to change all that.

Mr Cameron, a prostate cancer survivor, has been raising awareness and supporting the work of the Male Bag Foundation to fund a transperineal biopsy machine for Hamilton Base Hospital.

The machine, valued at $120,000 makes prostate biopsies safer, reducing the chance of infection and other complications.

Mr Cameron kicked off fundraising for a local biopsy machine in February, raising an incredible $35,000; selling everything from heifers, to pressure washers, at a Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange auction.

He now hopes the Annual WDHS Door Knock Appeal will help him reach his goal to fund the machine.

“If we raise a further $40,000 from the WDHS Door Knock Appeal, we will have enough funds for the Male Bag Foundation to chip in the rest – which will be a fantastic outcome for our local community,” Mr Cameron said.

Roland is passionate about the prostate cancer cause, and knows first-hand how important early detection is.

“It’s just a simple annual blood test, but it’s so important to take the time to do it,” he said.

“Three years ago, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. But thankfully it was detected early and I received the treatment I needed to beat it.

“I want local men to understand how crucial it is to get regular check-ups, especially men who are over 50 and those with a genetic link over 40.

“I’m really excited by this new technology, because it will remove some of the barriers to men getting their diagnosis.”

WDHS chief executive, Rohan Fitzgerald, said WDHS was grateful for the support of Mr Cameron and the Male Bag Foundation.

“This is about supporting men in our community with the best technology available. I can’t thank Roland enough for his efforts to raise awareness and purchase this much-needed equipment for our hospital,” he said.

“I’d also like to thank the many volunteers who are currently delivering thousands of Annual Appeal flyers to residential mailboxes in Hamilton. Letters have also been sent by UMS to outlying areas over the past two weeks.

“The response from the community so far has been fantastic. In just one week over $5000 has been donated to the cause.”

To find out more and to donate, visit wdhs.net, or look for the flyer in your letterbox. You can also reach out to the WDHS Community Liaison directly.