A BONBEACH cancer survivor is planning on walking 72 kilometres next month to raise money for prostate cancer awareness.
Mike Watson decided to get tested for prostate cancer after seeing a story about testing on the news. Watsons says that the decision to do so has changed his life.
“This is important to me because I had no symptoms and it was only because of a news report I watched on TV, that I decided to have a PSA test. My GP asked me why I was requesting one, which surprised me,” he said. “A few days later I received the call to say I had elevated PSA levels. That was the beginning of me realising that I had potential prostate problems.
“I believe that a PSA test should be included automatically in general blood tests for men over 40. Many men are not aware of the importance of the PSA test as an accurate marker for potential prostate problems and therefore don’t request it to be included in their general blood test. If I hadn’t seen the report on tv, I wouldn’t have requested one and my health status would be very different today.”
After surviving his cancer scare, Watson is taking part in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September. He is signed up for the Long Run, and will walk 72 kilometres in September.
“Prostate Cancer is now the most common cancer in Australia and we men are notoriously bad at managing our personal health and leaving things until the last minute,” Watson said. “A simple blood test can make a massive difference, let’s help spread the word.”
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO Anne Savage says that the organisation hopes to raise $1.7 million through the Long Run this year.
“The Long Run is expected to be the biggest in history this year, with increasing numbers of men being diagnosed and nearly 10 men dying from prostate cancer every single day,” she said. “The number of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer is increasing more rapidly than any other type of cancer, and the impact it takes on men’s lives is significant. Men with prostate cancer face a 70 per cent increased risk of suicide death, and 72 per cent of men do not get support for their mental health concerns.
“In response, we’re launching a moon shot for research and awareness in our quest to make prostate cancer history. Our aim is to raise over $1.7 million for research and support, by calling on Australians to help us cover the distance to the moon.”
To donate visit thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/mikewatson/the-long-run-2022
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 31 August 2022