SENIOR cyclist Bruce Robertson is participating in the Long Run this September, a Prostate Cancer Awareness Month fundraiser asking men to prioritise their regular health checks.
The Long Run riders, runners or walkers, must complete at least 72km, a symbolic distance honouring the 72 men diagnosed with the disease each day.
For Mr Robertson, his diagnosis in 2005 came completely out of the blue during a regular health check-up.
“I had no symptoms whatsoever, which just goes to show how vital regular check-ups are,” he said.
Following his diagnosis, he underwent a prostatectomy.
“The journey didn’t go as expected, as the cancer had already spread.
“I was given the option of six weeks of adjuvant radiation – still in the trial stages.
“Then came several years of nervous testing to see if it worked.
“The cancer never returned,” he said.
Mr Robertson is incredibly grateful for the care he’s received and the support from his wife Sally, his family and friends.
“Having gone through it myself, I saw first-hand the importance of awareness, early detection, and the need for ongoing research and support services.
For The Long Run, the Park Beach resident plans to tackle his kilometres on his trusty bike.
“Most Thursdays I ride from home to the harbour, where I meet up with two or three mates, and we continue along Hogbin Drive to Sawtell and then Boambee Headland to whale watch and take in the view.”
Returning on a similar route, the ride is around 42km.
“Good exercise, enjoying the scenery, the company of mates, and the debrief over coffee is also a vital part of the day, all while contributing to a cause close to my heart and feeling a sense of community that comes with knowing that thousands of Australians are moving for the same crucial reason.”
Mr Robertson urges men to talk to their GP, understand their family history, and not be afraid to ask for a PSA blood test.
“I owe my life to my fantastic GP, who ignored two specialist opinions and demanded a biopsy.
“Early detection can make all the difference, as it did for me.”
Mr Robertson also encourages men impacted by prostate cancer to join the Coffs Harbour Prostate Cancer Support Group.
“Coffs is lucky to have a Prostate Cancer Support Nurse who can guide you through your decisions on treatments and the best way forward for you – you’re not alone, reach out for support.”
More than 26,000 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year.
It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.
“While survival rates are drastically improving, around 4000 men are still dying from the disease each year,” said Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO Anne Savage.
Ms Savage said that taking part in The Long Run was a practical way for everyday Australians to join the fight to save more lives.
To get involved visit www.thelongrun.org.au
For more information about prostate cancer and to find a local support group, call 1800 22 00 99 or visit prostate.org.au.
By Andrea FERRARI
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
