In 2022, a precautionary scan revealed Gary had prostate cancer.
Affecting the small walnut-shaped organ that sits below his bladder, Gary’s prostate cancer developed when abnormal cells began to grow in an uncontrolled way.
It was only when a noticeable increase in prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels did Gary discover he had the disease.
“It was quite a surprise to find out I had prostate cancer,” says Gary. “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.”
Luckily for Gary, prostate cancer that’s detected early — when it’s still confined to the prostate gland — has the best chance for successful treatment.
After undergoing a biopsy that helped diagnose the grade of cancer, Gary opted for surgery to remove his prostate.
“To me it was better to have it removed,” shares Gary. “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.”
“Peninsula Health has been really, really, good with my cancer and treatment journey,” he adds. “The follow up has been great, and I have been shown techniques which help with incontinence.”
As Gary has learned, prostate cancer and its treatment can cause urinary incontinence.
“It’s a bit daunting at first, you feel like you’re back as a baby who has no control,” shares Gary. “But the pelvic floor exercises which I was shown by have helped strengthen my muscles to regain control.”
For Gary, early detection and the removal of his prostate cancer means he can go on to live an active life, without the worry of prostate cancer returning.
Help us provide earlier diagnosis to more men living in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula by supporting the Take a Break for Cancer appeal. Your donation or fundraiser could make all the difference to someone you know surviving a prostate cancer diagnosis.