AFL Legends unite to fight prostate cancer

Legendary footballer Peter Hudson AM has brought together Ted Whitten Jnr and Monash University to help find a cure for prostate cancer, which is diagnosed in around 20,000 Australians each year.

The E.J. Whitten Foundation, of which Mr Whitten is CEO, has announced its largest ever donation, of $550,000, to fund a five-year clinical research program on prostate cancer at the University.

The unique program will connect trainee urologists – doctors specialising in the urinary and male reproductive system – with world-leading researchers to enhance shared knowledge of prostate cancer through innovative research programs.

As a member of the Monash University Medical Foundation Board, Mr Hudson, who is also an Honorary Fellow of the University, has championed the University's prostate cancer research program.

“As prominent people in the AFL community were diagnosed with prostate cancer, Monash University’s work, and my involvement, became even more meaningful," Mr Hudson said.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that there is going to be a relationship between the University’s prostate cancer research program and the E.J. Whitten Foundation. I felt that both organisations had so much in common that the relationship really made sense."

Mr Whitten said the work at Monash fitted well with the Foundation’s vision and mission.

"The E.J. Whitten Foundation is delighted to have the opportunity to fund the first clinical prostate cancer research program of its type in Australia at Monash University," Mr Whitten said. 

"As a leading men’s health foundation dedicated to prostate cancer research and awareness, we hope that the five-year funding grant can uncover groundbreaking research, resulting in a cure being found for prostate cancer."

Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash, Professor Christina Mitchell, thanked the E.J. Whitten Foundation for their philanthropy.

“We are very grateful to the leadership of the E.J. Whitten Foundation for making our plans a reality. The program will undoubtedly lead to breakthroughs in prostate cancer research, particularly research about advanced cancer,” Professor Mitchell said.

World-renowned prostate cancer researcher Professor Gail Risbridger and leading urologist Associate Professor Mark Frydenberg will lead the Monash program.

Professor Risbridger said better outcomes for men with prostate cancer can be achieved by combining the respective expertise of scientists and clinicians.

“This program will enable a unique collaboration between clinicians and prostate cancer researchers. By working with clinicians, we ensure our basic scientific research is focused on issues that affect patients,” Professor Risbridger said. 

“For clinicians, a year spent doing research will give them insights into the latest research and drug discoveries, benefitting their patients and making them better doctors.”

The E.J. Whitten Foundation, named in honour of E.J. (Ted) Whitten, an iconic Australian rules footballer, is a leading men’s health not-for-profit charity. The Foundation’s aim is to increase the awareness of prostate cancer and raise funds for research into the disease via a variety of annual fundraising events.