IN THE lead-up to Men's Health Week, Bendigo will begin turning blue.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For four years, the Bendigo District Prostate Cancer Support Group has lit up Bendigo landmarks with blue lights.
The landmarks include the Sacred Heart Cathedral, RSL Memorial Hall and Bendigo Tourist Centre.
This year, the four cranes that decorate Bendigo's skyline are a possible new addition.
Bendigo District Prostate Cancer Support Group's Neil McDonald said the group adopted the blue theme as a way to encourage men to think more about their health.
"It began as a concentration on prostate cancer," he said.
"If we looked five or six years back, there was hardly anything that increased awareness about prostate cancer.
"It now involves men's health as a whole."
He said it was important people spoke about health in general.
"We have had people tell us they went and had a medical check after the campaign," Mr McDonald said.
"People are becoming more aware."
Mr McDonald said people needed to have less fear towards their doctor.
"Doctors are your friend, not your enemy," he said.
"This is solely an awareness campaign."
Mr McDonald said he hoped businesses across the CBD would adopt the blue theme.
He said his expectations did not become a reality as quickly as he hoped.
He said the campaign was now gaining momentum in the region as people recognised Bendigo as a leader in prostate awareness.
"The community can get involved by contacting us and turning their workplace blue," he said.
Bendigo Community Health Services will host a number of awareness events throughout Men's Health Week.
For more information, visit www.bchs.com.au