The initiative will focus on creating awareness and educating NSW’s 25,000 mine workers on prostate cancer, which has emerged as a significant health concern, especially in the state’s Hunter Valley region.

Coal Services Health general manager Mark O’Neill said a higher than average diagnosis rate in the coal mining region demanded focused action.

“It’s the role of CS Health to protect our NSW coal mining workers, and with 20% of all NSW diagnosis and deaths occurring in the local Hunter Valley region, it’s time to start educating our communities about prostate cancer” he said.

Minister for Resources and Energy Chris Hartcher launched the initiative with the aim of extending the health standards of the NSW mining industry into the local communities.

HPCA chairman Nick Sovechles underlined the importance of cooperation from Coal Services in Hunter Valley.

“Every male over 40 should get regular testing for prostate cancer.” Sovechles said.

“Thanks to Coal Services, we are going to get our message directly to many of these men, and this may even help save their lives.”

Coal Services likewise acknowledged that progress with controlling prostate cancer in the most populous state was so far largely due to the efforts of the HPCA.

“Over the last ten years diagnosis in NSW has increased by 60% and recovery rates have improved by 20%,” O’Neill said.

“To the credit of the HPCA, this improvement is primarily due to increased public education and awareness.”