About 3200 men die annually from prostate cancer but with the injection of the federal money, which will be split between three research institutes in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, more effective and less invasive treatments will be developed, Professor Phillip Stricker from Sydney's Kinghorn Cancer Centre said.
"It's a matter of how many lives you save but also how many people you don't hurt (with invasive treatment)," Prof Stricker told reporters on Friday.
"It's a matter of tailoring the treatment."
The Kinghorn Cancer Centre will receive $5.5 million of the money, which Prof Stricker said will fund research in genomics.
Researchers will study the genes of various groups as they seek to uncover potential predispositions to prostate cancer, which affects one-in-five men by the age of 85.
This information can then be used to target people with higher risks and start them on less-invasive preventative treatment, Prof Stricker said.
The remainder of the federal research money will be split between the Epworth Hospital in Melbourne and the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane with each due to receive $6.2 million.
Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said the money was provided to "make sure that Australian patients get the best possible treatment".
The government also committed $656 million to building 25 regional cancer centres across the country.
Ms Plibersek said this will "ensure that people can access early detection, treatment and quality care, where and when they need it".
"It's a matter of how many lives you save but also how many people you don't hurt (with invasive treatment)," Prof Stricker told reporters on Friday.
"It's a matter of tailoring the treatment."
The Kinghorn Cancer Centre will receive $5.5 million of the money, which Prof Stricker said will fund research in genomics.
Researchers will study the genes of various groups as they seek to uncover potential predispositions to prostate cancer, which affects one-in-five men by the age of 85.
This information can then be used to target people with higher risks and start them on less-invasive preventative treatment, Prof Stricker said.
The remainder of the federal research money will be split between the Epworth Hospital in Melbourne and the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane with each due to receive $6.2 million.
Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said the money was provided to "make sure that Australian patients get the best possible treatment".
The government also committed $656 million to building 25 regional cancer centres across the country.
Ms Plibersek said this will "ensure that people can access early detection, treatment and quality care, where and when they need it".
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