The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Awareness month is being seen as the perfect opportunity for men to stop being a statistic because of the own egos, and visit their GPs.

Prostate Cancer Foundation Albany support group leader Karen Rendell said it was time for men to stop being macho and have a test that could save their lives.

“The earlier prostate cancer is diagnosed, the better,” Ms Rendell said.

She should know. Her husband Barry is recovering from prostate cancer after she “nagged” him into going to a doctor for a test after one of his best mates died from the disease.

“It was found I had aggressive symptoms,” Mr Rendell said. “There is an awful lot of ignorance on this out there.”

As the organiser of the foundation’s support and advocacy committee in Albany, Mrs Rendell said it was important for spouses to be involved in their husband’s health.

Albany Mayor Milton Evans urged all men to have a test, to satisfy themselves and their family they have no hidden illness.

“I encourage people like myself to get tested, and not to feel invincible,” he said.