Commissioner Ian Stewart joined with officers today to launch the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Prostate Cancer Awareness Strategy.

The strategy incorporates state-wide information seminars available to all QPS employees, their family members and other emergency service personnel.

The information sessions will provide attendees with important information about prostate cancer and will be delivered by a local Urologist and Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.

Commissioner Stewart said prostate cancer is a significant issue for the QPS, with many people knowing of someone living with prostate cancer or someone who has tragically lost their life to the disease.

“These seminars are being delivered under the Our People Matter Strategy, demonstrating the QPS’s commitment towards the health, safety and wellbeing of our people and their families,” Commissioner Stewart said.

Each year, more than 3000 men die from prostate cancer, and it is estimated that more than 17,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year.

As part of this awareness campaign two police officers from the Operations Support Command (OSC) will be travelling to each regional centre in a specially marked police vehicle towing a ‘dunny on wheels.’

The officers will visit workplaces and speak with employees and other emergency services personnel to provide advice about the disease.

Commissioner Stewart acknowledged the efforts of the OSC and Safety and Wellbeing for their involvement in organising these seminars.

“I would like to thank all the members involved in this project for their important work in organising and co-ordinating these vital seminars,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“I also thank the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia for partnering with us and supporting this initiative.

“I encourage each and every employee to attend one of the seminars and bring along your partner, friends and colleagues.”