These numbers are the motivation behind Warrnambool family-owned business Owen Truss donating $10,000 to the South-West Healthcare Prostate Cancer Detector Appeal. 

The manufacturers of wall frames and roof trusses with a predominantly male workforce, have cases of the disease within their employees.

“We’ve got guys who have had prostate cancer, some who are undergoing treatment now and some who will face it in the future,” owner Glenn Owen said. “Of our 90 employees, 17 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the time they are 85.”

Mr Owen is a firm believer of keeping medical treatment as close to home as possible.

“We need to get this machine here,” he said. “We’ve got to keep this stuff in town. Guys should be able to be diagnosed here in their hometown.”

While the business had quietly donated to causes in the past, Mr Owen said this was an appeal that needed public support.

“It’s a good cause and local businesses and the community should get behind it.”