Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) is urging WA men to understand their risk of prostate cancer and talk to their doctor about testing.
This comes following data revealing Mandurah men have the third highest diagnosis rate in Australia at 210 people per 100,000.
Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in Australia, killing nine men each day.
PCFA chief executive Jeff Dunn said men in regional areas are at a higher risk of late diagnosis.
"Men in regional and rural areas of Australia face a 24 per cent higher than average risk of death but we also need to dig deeper to interrogate why," he said.
"We know that diagnosing cancer at an earlier stage gives a better chance for successful treatment and good outcomes, that's why it's so important men are aware and proactive about their prostate health."
Every region in WA has a lower than average rate of diagnosis at Stage One, when the cancer is most treatable.
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Perth-based father of three John Williams, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 45, urged others to get tested early.
"My dad and uncle had prostate cancer. I was pretty young and healthy and wouldn't have thought it was a big thing, but I talked to the doctor because mum was nagging me about getting tested," he said.
After blood tests and a biopsy detected a tumour, Mr Williams decided to have radical robotic prostate surgery. A large tumour was removed but thanks to early action the cancer had not spread.
"I have to thank my doctor for saving my life. If I'd not had those first tests then I wouldn't have had the surgery and wouldn't have known that large tumour was there," Mr Williams said.
"I feel pretty much normal now, I still have to take some medication but I jog to keep fit and recently joined a gym."
The current Australian guidelines recommend men with no symptoms and no family history of prostate cancer have Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing every two years between the ages of 50 and 70.
Those with a family history should consider PSA testing from age 40 or 45, depending on the strength of their familial risk, but Mr Williams says many men are not aware of their risk.
"My message to other men is to get tested, even if you're under 50, if there is prostate cancer in your family," he said.
"For me it has been a roller coaster, when you're diagnosed with cancer you don't know what will happen to you. I have a few scars from the surgery, but these just remind me of how lucky I am."
Francesca Rogers, who is a prostate cancer specialist nurse on Mr Williams treatment team said early detection is important.
"Many men voice particular concern about the side effects of treatment but early detection is important for treatment success. There is support available and effective treatments for any potential side effects of prostate cancer treatment which is really important for men to realise," she said.
PCFA has launched a nationwide telenursing service, staffed by prostate cancer specialist nurses, providing support to the 17,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Australia each year, and their families.
The service is designed to reduce isolation and barriers to accessing support, and nurses can help talk through treatment options, and all the other issues men face when diagnosed.
Men and their families can speak with a specialist nurse by calling 1800 22 00 99, Monday to Friday.
