Dr Martin White (my urological specialist who is now retired) had informed me in my prior three visits (each year) that due to my family history – the likelihood of me being diagnosed was 14 times likely – than those in the normal, male population.

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With this information in mind – I must confess that I was not completely shocked by my diagnosis – even though I was only 44 (relatively young, fit and strong).

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If I was to review my own set of circumstances – the most critical aspect for all men and their families – is being assessed at the earliest stage (annual check-ups for men aged 50 and those with family history aged 40).

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And the 2nd most critical factor is seeking the best available advice and seeking the best treatment option based upon age, the type of cancer and the treatments available, which have improved  dramatically since my diagnosis.

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3rd is having the necessary family support – in my case that of my beautiful wife Sue and three beautiful daughters who all looked after me during the diagnosis, treatment and post treatment periods with their understanding, love and support.

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Following the positive biopsy results (three of 12 samples) in May of 2009 – it was then a matter of seeking counsel from Dr White who recommended two options – radical prostate surgery or Brachytherapy (radioactive radiation treatment).

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I had an appointment with an outstanding surgeon Dr Stricker and a separate appoint with Dr David Malouf and oncologist Dr Joseph Bucci to discuss both options.

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We then convened a meeting with Dr White to discuss the options in full detail and we agreed on the best course of action – which for me was Brachytherapy because I was a suitable candidate, it was less invasive and it allowed me to recover more quickly. The procedure includes a lot of preparation including a volume study to determine how much radiation is required to treat the cancer. I was then required to attend St George Private Hospital for an overnight stay (Oct 2009) where radioactive seeds were placed directly into the gland under general anaesthetic.

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So, I am nearly a text book example of someone who has been checked at the earliest occasion (because of my diligence in being checked), received excellent advice and tremendous care during this 10 - year period.

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Following this process – it has allowed me to reflect on how grateful I am the medical practitioners who have supported me and cared for me along the way.

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There have been some nervous and anxious moments on assessing the best way forward and waiting on test results every three months initially before this stretched to every 6 months and then 12 months in recent years.

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They have reassured me of the process and the need to be patient which has proven to be 100% right on every occasion.

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It has also allowed me to reassess my work, life, family balance and I have become a strong advocate not just for Prostate Cancer but for men’s health and the transformation of HPCA to ProCare in the last five years – has meant a much stronger focus on mental health services for people of all ages and walks of life.

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My passion has been in providing support to Prostate cancer sufferers and I have presented numerous times to many groups about the need for early detection and told my story – including my unique family history where three of four boys from the same family have been diagnosed.

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I have had countless conversations with men and their partners who have had symptoms of prostate issues or have been diagnosed and need to talk to someone who knows what they are going through or discuss what options are available to them.

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My main advice is always to seek as much information as they can and in some cases a 2nd opinion if they feel they are not being listened to by their GP or specialist.

And I always refer them to the free, confidential counselling service that is provided expertly my Kale at HPCA for sufferers and their families to provide them with the necessary resources and support.

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Finally, my outlook during this long and successful journey has been to keep a positive and optimistic mind set, an active lifestyle with plenty of exercise, a good diet and finding some areas of interest that I am passionate about – but without causing me too much stress!

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My thanks to my good friend Nick Sovechles – the long-standing Chairman who invited me to tell my story as an Ambassador back in May 2009. He - along with Leigh Maughan – who was a former board member – were two of the pioneers in creating a much needed community charity to help provide awareness and support for prostate cancer sufferers and their families.