Speakers at the prostate awareness session, from left, David Harrison, Kerrie Ormond, Malcolm Lake, Associate Professor Ken Sikaris, Steve Kent and session facilitator John Crothers.
Corowa Business Chamber organisers were thrilled at the fantastic community turnout at Club Corowa for the very first session focused on prostate cancer awareness and early detection.
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“It was truly heartening to see so many people from our community come together for such an important cause - raising awareness and encouraging PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) testing to save lives,” session facilitator and Chamber Executive Officer John Crothers said.
One of Australia’s leading chemical pathologists, Associate Professor Ken Sikaris from Melbourne Pathology delivering his address at Club Corowa.
About 100 people attended the evening on Tuesday, February 11. It began with Associate Professor Ken Sikaris, one of Australia’s leading chemical pathologists, providing an update on the PSA journey from 1989 to 2025 and what men need to know about modern PSA testing and screening guidelines.
Associate Professor Sikaris highlighted key updates:
•PSA screening reduces prostate cancer deaths.
•Current guidelines recommend PSA testing every two years for men aged 50–69, with earlier testing for men with a family history (45 or even 40 if multiple family members are affected).
•For men with a confirmed PSA level greater than 3.0 µg/L, you are entitled to an MRI scan and confirmation of diagnosis by a safe and efficient transperineal biopsy.
Early detection is key, Dr Sikaris emphasised, because prostate cancer diagnosed early has a much higher survival rate.
About 100 people attended last week’s address by Assoc. Prof. Sikaris and four local speakers.
Powerful stories from panel
The highlight of the evening was hearing from our local panel, who shared their personal experiences with prostate cancer and how it affected them and their families:
•Corowa councillor Dave Harrison of Federation Council spoke passionately about his health journey and how early testing helped him take control of his situation.
•Corowa residents Malcolm Lake and Steve Kent shared their experiences with diagnosis and treatment, offering invaluable advice on recognizing the signs and the importance of staying proactive.
•Kerrie Ormond of Corowa offered a heartfelt perspective as a partner, reminded us how prostate cancer is not just a man’s disease - it affects families and loved ones just as deeply.
Why this matters
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in our region for men. The simple PSA blood test could mean the difference between life and death.
Early detection leads to far better outcomes, but it starts with men taking that first step - getting tested and talking to their GP.
Assoc. Prof. Sikaris also stressed that testing should not be discouraged for men in their 40s, particularly those at higher risk. Modern advances like simplified MRI techniques and active surveillance for lower-risk cases are making testing and treatment more effective and less invasive.
Community call to action
“If this event helps even one person take action and get tested, then we’ve made a difference,” Mr Crothers said.
“Raising awareness and promoting PSA testing can save lives.
“To everyone who attended - thank you for listening, learning and supporting one another. Please encourage the men in your life to prioritize their health and get tested. Awareness, education, and early detection can truly save lives.”
Associate Professor Sikaris also spoke to doctors at Corowa’s Red Gum Medical Group the following morning.
