Each year more than 20,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 3,500 men will die of the disease.

Generally prostate cancer can be successfully treated if detected early.

Wagga Prostate Cancer Support Group group leader Kym Holbrook was diagnosed at 49 and had surgery five weeks later. The average for diagnosis is 67.

Often there are no symptoms associated with prostate cancer. A blood test, known as a PSA, will identify if there is an elevated PSA.

From that further decisions can be made.

"Many men and their families suffer from the physical and emotional side effects of treatment, and many of them are confronting that battle without adequate support," Kym said.

"The Wagga Prostate Cancer Support Group aims to increase the awareness for getting checked for prostate cancer and to support men and their families who have been diagnosed with the disease."

September is International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia have recently launched the NEW PSA Test Guide.

This guide aims to help men make an informed decision about PSA testing.

The online tool has been many years in the making and draws on the expertise of Australia's leading prostate cancer researchers and authorities.

It can be accessed by going to https://www.prostate.org.au/

The Riverina is fortunate to have a dedicated, full time prostate cancer support nurse, Christine Britton.

Christine is the link between the patients and any extra care or resources they might need.

"She can provide information regarding treatment options, guide men and their families through the range of financial support that may be available and generally be source of information around prostate cancer," Kym said.

The Wagga Prostate Cancer Support Group meets every second Thursday of the month at Lilier Lodge at 7pm.

"We welcome men and their families to the meetings to talk with others who have been down the same path," Kym said.