Awareness is in the air in Griffith, as some local health groups aim to raise knowledge of certain diseases.
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The Griffith Local Health Advisory Committee (LHAC) have launched a prostate cancer display at the Griffith City Library along with help from the Griffith Prostate Cancer Support Group.
LHAC chairperson Margaret King said the idea behind the display is to encourage men to become more aware of the dangers of prostate cancer.
"LHAC is dedicated to promoting awareness around prostate cancer as it's an important public health issue," Mrs King said.
"It's [the display] to get the word out, encourage [men] to look after their health and talk to their GPs."
Mrs King said 118.8 men in every 100000 suffer from prostate cancer in the Griffith region compared to 76.8 in the rest of the state.
The display, which will be standing in the library until the end of the month, provides a mountain of information on prostate cancer to those who are curious, including information on treatment, detection and methods of physical and mental support.
Prostate cancer support group member Colin Beaton said the display aims to highlight everything about prostate cancer and the deadly effect it can have.
"Prostate cancer is a killer," Mr Beaton said.
"We want to make people aware of what the options are... [including] results and side effects.
"Those who have a higher risk [should] talk to their doctor."
The display will also be visited by Wagga-based prostate cancer nurse Christine Britton from 2pm to 5pm on September 19, who will talk about the cancer and its effect on relationships.
Mr Beaton said the visit will allow members of the community the chance to speak to a nurse who understands the numerous issues surrounding living with prostate cancer, including dealing with incontinence, sexual dysfunction and anxiety.
Members of the Griffith prostate cancer support group will also be on hand at the display from 2pm onward on Tuesday and Thursdays through the rest of the month to help give information and first-hand experience of the cancer and its effect on individuals and families.
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However, the raising of prostate cancer awareness is not the only campaign kicking off in the area, with the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) reminding the community to look out for the symptoms of sepsis ahead of World Sepsis Day on Friday.
MLHD board director Dr Tom Douch said sepsis is a serious condition where the body begins to injure its own organs and tissues in response to an infection and is usually not thought about until it is too late.
"Any delays in identifying symptoms and starting treatment including antibiotics, increase a patient's risk of death, loss of limbs or other long-term disability," Dr Douch said.
For more information on prostate cancer awareness month, visit www.prostate.org.au and for more information on World Sepsis Day, visit www.australiansepsisnetwork.net.au.
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