Blue September in Australia

Continuing the series of Guest Posts by highly regarded Urologists, Brian Stork discusses Blue September

Australia has the highest rate of prostate cancer in the developed world. Fortunately, there are a number of ways individuals can raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research. This month marks the beginning of “Blue September” in Australia and around the world.

Blue September in Australia

Blue September is a campaign to raise awareness and funding for all types of cancer in men and boys. Beginning in infancy, blue is a color associated with boys. The color blue, however, also symbolizes the loss of fathers, brothers, sons, and friends from the many types of cancer that affect men, including prostate cancer. The Blue September campaign not only raises money for cancer research, but also encourages men to take better care of their health in partnership with their healthcare providers. Prostate cancer research, however, has traditionally been one of the main beneficiaries of the Blue September campaign.

Going Blue

There are many ways you can get involved and show your support for the Blue September movement:

• Download a fundraiser kit which includes a ribbon for your webpage, an option to make your Twitter profile Blue, a logo and posters.
• Purchase a wristband. The idea is to write the name of the person who inspired you on the band.
• Paint your face or wear blue.
• Raise money.

2013 Beneficiaries

In Australia, this year’s beneficiaries from the Blue September Campaign include the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and Australian Prostate Cancer Research. Australian Prostate Cancer Research has created some outstanding educational resources for prostate cancer patients, and, thanks in part to support from Blue September Australia, is about to launch Prostmate – the world’s first online support program for men with prostate cancer.

Beyond Australia

Blue September appears to be thriving in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Proceeds from Blue September in New Zealand go to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. In the United Kingdom, procedes will go to the Urology Foundation. In Ireland, the benefits will go to the Mater Foundation, Cancer Care West, and the Mercy Hospital Cancer Appeal Fund.

Last year, the Blue September Community was very active in the United States, particularly in California. Unfortunately, this year, the community appears to be significantly less active. Participants in the United States are encouraged to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation, The Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Think Cure or the cancer organiztion of their choice.

Support a Serious Cause and Have Fun

Having cancer is tough. Raising awareness and fundraising should be fun. Blue September offers a fun opportunity to raise awareness and support men with prostate cancer.

Australian Swimming Champion – Leisel Jones

Guest post by Dr. Brian Stork. Dr. Stork is a urologist from the U.S. in private practice at West Shore Urology, in Muskegon, Michigan. Dr. Stork has a passion for patient education, healthcare technology and healthcare social media. You can read more from Dr. Stork on his blog, and follow him at @storkbrian on Twitter and Google .