09 July 2024
Shaun Morgan’s uncle is living with prostate cancer, his grandfather died from prostate cancer, and the 52 year old Glenorie local was himself diagnosed with prostate cancer in April this year.
Shaun had his prostate removed, and doctors are happy with his post-op tests, but he faces three-monthly tests for the next five years, and ongoing monitoring for another five years after that.
“At the moment I'm recovering and learning to get over the side effects associated with the removal and operation,” Mr Morgan said.
“If I could give men one piece of advice when it comes to prostate cancer awareness, it would be to get checked, do not wait, ask your GP about risk factors.
“Thankfully for me, my mother pushed for me to get my PSA tests done as it's in the family, and I had been doing them since I turned 50 every six months.
“The last test I did the levels where high and further investigation was required, and eventually it was confirmed as cancer.
“I never felt ill or felt as if something was wrong, and if I hadn't been getting tested, I would probably still be walking around oblivious to the cancer growing within me until it would be too late to act upon.”
Shaun will spend the rest of July dry in order to raise awareness about prostate cancer and men’s health – issues he believes aren’t talked about enough.
“From my own perspective with my prostate cancer, I never even knew how common this type of cancer was in men until I started on this journey,” Mr Morgan said.
“As I told people within my circle or within work about my diagnosis, it was only then that people started to say that they had a father or uncle or a friend that had the same condition in various stages.
“My motivation for Dry July is twofold. Obviously with the recent diagnosis, I want to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer, and secondly, I am giving up the drink in an attempt to get healthier.
“Get behind the cause. Most people in life these days know someone who is affected by cancer of some shape or form, so the more money raised to support and fund cancer research the better.”
Aussies can visit https://www.dryjuly.com/users/shaun-morgan to donate to Shaun’s campaign.
CEO of PCFA, Anne Savage, said Dry July was amplifying awareness about prostate cancer nationally.
“Heroes like Shaun going dry this July in support of PCFA are raising vital funds to help us increase awareness, fund more research and offer more support to Australian men and their families affected by prostate cancer,” Ms Savage said.
“Importantly, Shaun is courageously sharing his story in the hope of warning other Aussie men to be aware of prostate cancer risk factors and symptoms.
“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with more than 25,000 men newly diagnosed each year.
“Fortunately, prostate cancer is slow-growing and if detected early enough you have an excellent chance of survival.
“The causes of prostate cancer may not be known but there are two proven risk factors: age and family history. Knowing your risk factors may mean starting PSA testing at a younger age.
“It’s crucial for men to find out what the risk factors are for prostate cancer and what their individual level of risk might be, depending on genetics and family history.
“We thank Shaun for raising funds for PCFA through Dry July and urge Aussies to donate to his campaign and share his message with others.”
Aussies can access PCFA’s Complete Prostate Cancer Toolkit, including expert information, detailed advice, support and resources, at www.prostate.org.au.
For more information about PCFA, call 1800 22 00 99 or go to www.pcfa.org.au.
ENDS
Media contacts for further information or interviews:
PCFA - 1800 22 00 99
Katie Clift – katie@maybe.agency |M +351 913 976 202
