Australians urged to go dry this July for prostate cancer

19 June 2025

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) is calling on Australians to go Dry for the month of July to help raise funds for lifesaving nursing care for men impacted by prostate cancer. 

All funds raised for PCFA through the campaign will directly fund the charity’s Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service, helping to provide men impacted by prostate cancer with direct access to Specialist Nurses to help them navigate a diagnosis.

PCFA CEO Anne Savage said the need had never been greater.

“With more than 26,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, we need to ensure that our support services are reaching every corner of Australia,” she said.

“Currently, there is only one specialist nurse for every 239 newly diagnosed patients nationwide – but with the support of Dry July, we can change that.

“You may think that giving up alcohol won’t make a difference – but for the next man diagnosed with prostate cancer, it will mean the world.

“It will mean that they have access to a specialist nurse when the going gets tough, and access to resources and support every step of the way.”

“Our nurses play a critical role in ensuring that men do not suffer their disease in silence.”

Getting involved is as easy as registering via www.dryjuly.com/pcfa and going dry from July 1 to 31.

Ms Savage said Dry July was also an important opportunity to raise awareness of early detection.

“Fortunately, if prostate cancer is detected early enough you have an excellent chance of survival,” she said.

“The causes of prostate cancer may not be known but there are two proven risk factors: age and family history. Knowing your risk factors may mean starting PSA testing at a younger age.

“We encourage all men to use this as an opportunity to book an appointment with their GP and talk about their individual risks and testing options.”

Aussies can access PCFA’s Prostate Cancer Toolkit, including expert information, detailed advice, support and resources, at www.prostate.org.au or phone 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a Specialist Nurse.