Vic prostate cancer research gets boost

Prostate cancer research funding has been given a boost as Victoria pushes to stop men dying young.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy announced $1.6 million for five new research projects on prostate cancer, investigating ways to better diagnose and improve treatment for patients.

"This funding for prostate cancer research is a massive investment in men's health," Ms Hennessy said on Wednesday.

To mark International Men's Health Week, Ms Hennessy said it is time to help find ways to stop Victorian men dying younger than their female counterparts.

"Compared to women, men in Victoria have a lower life expectancy and far higher rates of avoidable and premature mortality," she said.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among Victorian men.

There were 4257 new cases of prostate cancer in Victoria in 2013, making up 27 per cent of all new male cancers diagnosed, and 729 men died from the disease.

Ms Hennessy also announced $200,000 to support Sons of the West, a 15-week community program to encourage men in Melbourne's west to lead healthier lives.