04 April 2025
Tasmania’s Geoff Deer, 71, will be cutting off his beloved beard this May, which he’s been growing for two years to raise much needed awareness about prostate cancer and funds for research.
Geoff was diagnosed with prostate cancer in June 2022 and in 2023 decided to cut of his beard to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).
Two years later, with another 20cm of growth, he’s ready to make the chop again for a good cause.
Geoff said he works as an operator at Gunns Plains Caves and uses one of Tasmania’s most popular tourist destinations to spread his lifesaving message to men: “Get bloody tested.”
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with more than 26,000 men diagnosed every year.
“My prostate cancer was only picked up because my doctor recommended a series of tests for me to undergo, and so he included the PSA test as a matter of course,” he said.
“We followed it up with an MRI and a biopsy, and within five months, I had a radical prostatectomy as my Gleason score reached seven by November.
"You should always continue with a PSA test because you never know how quickly it can progress.
“For the MRI and PET PSMA, both technicians asked if I was claustrophobic. They hadn’t taken any notice of my cap and where I worked – in a cave!” Geoff added.
After surgery, Geoff had 34 days of radiation.
“My last PSA test was just before Christmas. I joke and say it was the only Christmas present I got, but it was by far the best one because it is now undetectable,” he said.
“I leapt out of my chair when I heard the results!
“I make sure I let everyone know how I’m feeling because it’s really important to talk about your mental health.”
Geoff said he was greatly supported by PCFA before, during and after treatment, which is why he’s giving back.
“PCFA’s Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses still call me to check in and see how I’m doing, which is really nice. They’re very helpful,” Geoff said. Geoff lost a close mate to prostate cancer around the same time he was diagnosed in 2022.
“He never had a PSA test,” Geoff recalled.
“He went into the hospital for treatment around the same time as me. He saw Christmas but sadly didn’t make it past New Year’s Eve.
“It’s because of him that I’m passionate about raising funds and awareness of prostate cancer.
“I tell every bloke who visits there my favourite catchphrase: Get bloody tested!”
To donate to Geoff’s fundraiser, please click here: https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraisers/geoffdeer/cavemangeoff-going-cleanskin
For more information or to find a local Support Group, go to www.prostate.org.au or call 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a PCFA Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.
