TWO years ago, Rosebud man Gary Marshall underwent a precautionary scan that saved his life. Now he is raising awareness in a bid to save others.
In 2022, Marshall was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The cancer was only found because of an increase in his prostate specific antigens found during the routine scan. Marshall says the discovery came as a shock at the time. “It was quite a surprise to find out I had prostate cancer,” he said. “I had absolutely no symptoms at all that gave me indication I had cancer. I felt fit and healthy, to me nothing was noticeably wrong.”
After finding the cancer, Marshall attended Frankston Hospital for treatment. He said that the early detection and treatment has helped him live a normal life. “To me it was better to have it removed,” he said. “I’m glad that I did because it turned out it was a worse grade of cancer, so it was good I had surgery at that time.”
Now fit and healthy again, Marshall has thanked the Peninsula Health staff that helped during his treatment. “Peninsula Health has been really, really, good with my cancer and treatment journey,” he said. “The follow up has been great, and I have been shown techniques which help with incontinence.”
Peninsula Health is in the middle of its “Take a Break For Cancer” campaign – the annual fundraiser encourages people to host events to raise money for cancer research. To learn more about the campign or take part visit peninsulahealth.org.au/support-us/donate/current-campaigns-events/take-a-break-for-cancer
First published in the Frankston Times – 13 August 2024