Prostate cancer: blokes' BBQ to focus on men's health

BALLARAT'S Terry Grano was diagnosed with prostate cancer 10 years ago — he was just 52 when he received the devastating news.Next month, he will join hundreds of other Ballarat men for the city’s first ever “Biggest Ever Blokes Barbecue” in support of men’s health.More than 400 Ballarat men are expected to gather for the event, aimed at raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer research.Mr Grano has received treatment to fight the disease and has urged other men to get checks to catch it early.“In Australia, more than 3300 men die from prostate cancer each year. This is around the same number of women who die from breast cancer,” he said.“Get yourself tested, be familiar with the treatments available and get to know your family history.”The lunch will be held on September 16 and feature an entertaining mix of speakers and auction items with all proceeds going towards the Prostate Cancer Foundation.This special men-only event will include guests such as internationally renowned health speaker Dr John Tickell and the boys from WIN TV’s Off The Bench — Danny Frawley, Liam Pickering and Craig Hutchison.Event patron and Sovereign Hill chief executive Jeremy Johnson said the barbecue was a great way for Ballarat men to get together, have some fun and learn more about men’s health while raising money for a good cause.“This event is the first of its kind to be held in Ballarat and we’re sure that all in attendance will have a really enjoyable day — and importantly learn how to manage their health,” he said.Items to be auctioned will include tickets to the North Melbourne and Collingwood presidents’ luncheons and the opportunity to take part in an actual North Melbourne training session.Tickets are still available. For more information or to buy tickets, call 5333 4426.