Background Since 2009, the Blues and the Pies have battled it out for the Richard Pratt Cup to raise awareness of the incidences of prostate cancer in Aussie men. The match is played in memory of former Carlton president, Richard Pratt, who passed away from the disease. On Friday April 13 look out for 30,000 blue Thunder Sticks at the MCG, which will be handed out to fans raise awareness for the cause. 50 Carlton fans will also form a guard of honour on field pre-game to pay tribute to Richard Pratt and Australian men who have been affected by Prostate Cancer over the years. All monies raised through the Richard Pratt Cup will go to the Richard Pratt Fellowships in Prostate Cancer. You can make a contribution by donating at the match or donating at Carlton’s online at www.carltonfc.com.au/rpc

Prostate Cancer - What You Need To Know
 
- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men and is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in Australian men.

- More than 17,400 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in Australia.

- This means one in nine men in Australia will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.

- Tragically, each year in Australia, close to 3,300 men die of prostate cancer - equal to the number of women who die from breast cancer annually.

- Men in rural and regional Australia have a 21 per cent higher prostate cancer mortality rate than men in capital cities.

- Top to 10 per cent of prostate cancer cases have a genetically inherited component.

- Prostate cancer can be symptomless.

About the Richard Pratt Fellowships in Prostate Cancer
 
The Richard Pratt Fellowship in Prostate Cancer was established in 2011 in honour of the late Richard Pratt who suffered from the disease.  

The foundation provides an annual fellowship to researchers aiming to identify significantly improved treatment for sufferers of Prostate Cancer.

Each year the foundation will commit $100,000 to an individual applicant who is conducting translational research in Prostate Cancer. A fellowship will typically last for a year, but there is potential this could be extended over a longer period should an outstanding application be received.

The Richard Pratt Fellowships in Prostate Cancer will advertise the availability of fellowships and the Victorian Cancer Agency will assess the application and make recommendations to the trustees of the foundation.
 

"The Carlton Football Club is asking any footy fans who has been affected by prostate cancer directly or through a family member to register to participate in the Richard Pratt Cup guard of honour.

We also encourage footy fans to donate money at the game or online www.carltonfc.com.au/rpc to help fund Prostate Cancer research.

The Richard Pratt Cup was developed to encourage men, everywhere, to consult their GP and ensure they are regularly screened for prostate cancer."

-    Bryce Gibbs