Hosted by the Hunter Prostate Cancer Support Group, the session will feature presentations from ­specialists, surgeons and company representatives.

“The level of support services for men living with prostate cancer in regional Australia has improved over the years, but there is still a lot of work ahead of us to ensure we are not isolating men who live outside of major cities,” Hunter Prostate Cancer Support Group co-leader Gary Herrett said.

“It is a rare occasion that we have in Newcastle a urologist, researchers and senior Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia representatives in the same room, providing quality information and advice on prostate cancer.

“This is a great opportunity for men, their partners, families and friends to gain a better understanding of the disease from different angles.”

Recent research published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that men living outside major cities have a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer compared to men living in major metropolitan areas.

Although the study showed the 10-year survival rate following prostate cancer diagnosis had increased from 57 per cent to 84 per cent, there are still clear disparities between survival rates of men in regional and remote areas compared with those in metropolitan areas.

Foundation national chairman David Sandcoe believed Saturday’s free event would deliver much-needed information to help men in regional areas cope better following a prostate cancer diagnosis.

“I’m looking forward to working with all the speakers to deliver potentially life-saving and quality-of-life rehabilitation information to people who are currently dealing with prostate cancer,” Mr Sandcoe said.

The event will be held at Warners Bay on Saturday. For details call 0490 118 146 or 0490 117 469.