A widening gap in treatments offered by the public and private health systems is putting men with prostate cancer at an increased risk of an early death.

People without private health insurance are reported to have less access to quality treatment, severely impacting their survival rate.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO Anne Savage told Jo McManus on 6PR Afternoons Australia can do better.

“The public health system does not make funding available for… these surgeries,” said Ms Savage.

Press PLAY below to hear why Ms Savage believes the system is unfair

Lifeline Australia hotline: 13 11 14