18 August 2021
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men, claims more than 3,000 lives a year, and can have lifelong impacts on those affected and their families.
Despite this, awareness levels in Australia are at historic lows, and authorities have warned many men in our local community are clueless about their risks of the disease.
All this has prompted Forest Lake local Barbara Plant to step up during September for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, with this year’s theme ‘Together for the long run’.
Ms Plant will be taking part in Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s annual awareness and fundraising campaign, The Long Run, which calls on communities to run, walk, or wheel 72km throughout the month to support those affected.
This year’s theme ‘Together for the long run’ encourages men and their loved ones to unite as a community to save lives and improve the mental and physical health of everyone affected by prostate cancer.
Ms Plant said she was taking part in memory of her dad and his brother, who both fought a courageous battle against prostate cancer.
“My dad, Neil, passed away on 5 April 2020 after his prostate cancer metastasised to his bones and his brother, Tommy, passed away on 28 January 2021,” she said.
Barbara and her dad, Neil, who passed away in April 2020 from metastatic prostate cancer
“It was devastating for my brother and I to see our dad go through so much radium, hormone and chemotherapy treatment, and to watch his condition slowly deteriorate over his last two years.
“I cared for him at home for a few months while he was undergoing chemotherapy, prior to him deciding he wanted to go into a care facility. He never gave up hope — bravely asking for whichever treatment he could try next.
“He was our sunshine, our gentle giant and we miss him so very deeply.”
After her dad’s diagnosis her uncle, Tommy, told the family that he too had prostate cancer. Tommy’s cancer metastasised into his stomach and he sadly passed away just nine months after his brother, Neil.
“It was a terribly hard time for their other siblings to lose two brothers within nine months,” Ms Plant said.
“Three years ago I met my partner, Steve, who had also battled prostate cancer at the age of 59.
“Unlike dad and uncle Tommy, Steve was offered prostate removal surgery.
“Taking part in The Long Run is my way of honouring the people I’ve loved and lost and those who are currently battling this terrible disease.
“I wish more treatment options were available to my dad and I know that the funds I raise will contribute to vital research, awareness and support programs.”
Men with prostate cancer have a 70 per cent increased risk of suicide death compared to the general population, although 72 per cent of men will not seek help for their distress.
People can join Ms Plant’s team ‘Walk for Sunshine and the Mystery Man’ or donate via thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/barbaraplant
New participants and teams can also register in one easy step via thelongrun.org.au.
PCFA CEO Professor Jeff Dunn AO urged men and their loved ones to come together for the long run.
“Many families in the local community are facing prostate cancer right now and will need special care and support,” he said.
“This year’s campaign for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, with the theme ‘Together for the long run’, aims to show our solidarity and raise vital funds so that men in the local area have access to life-saving clinical trials and Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses.
“Make no mistake – we need to step up now, with the number of men diagnosed expected to increase by as much as 60 per cent over future years.
“Without community involvement in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and campaigns such as The Long Run, we simply will not be able to meet the growing demand for PCFA services and programs.
“We would love to see the community come together for the long run in 2021, taking action throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
“I’d urge all families to run for the ones they love and help love go the distance.”
More than 3,000 people are expected to join The Long Run campaign this year in the hope of raising $1.6 million for prostate cancer research and specialist nurses.
If you or someone you know needs the care of a PCFA Specialist Nurse, please call 1800 22 00 99.
ENDS
PCFA media contact: Laura McKoy | M. 0435 094 788
