The Quakers Hill local has joined Walk for Him, an Australia-wide walking challenge held raise funds for prostate cancer research, awareness initiatives and support services.
“My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in his sixties, so I started having regular PSA blood tests from 50 as your risk increases with a family history of the disease,” he said.
“When my PSA started to rise, I went to a urologist and had an MRI, PET Scan and a Biopsy.
“Despite knowing the I was at a higher risk, being diagnosed at 57 still came as a big shock. I had no symptoms so I was fortunate to catch mine early.
“I chose to have a prostatectomy and now my PSA is back to zero thanks to the magnificent work my all the doctors I have seen.
“Off the back of my experience, I decided to join the Walk for Him campaign to help get the message out about how important PSA testing is.
“If you get a base line test, then your GP will be able to monitor you from there. It’s my hope that one day there will be a screening program to help save more lives.”
Locals are encouraged to get behind Mr Hemsworth and join the Walk for Him movement to make a difference.
Participants can walk 25kms, or a distance of their choice, in solidarity with men and families impacted by prostate cancer.
PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, called on the local community to get involved.
“The Walk for Him is a great way to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Australia’s most common cancer,” she said.
“It’s a disease that takes a significant toll not just on men, but also on their partners and families, and on our community.
“All funds raised during Walk for Him will support men and their families, clinical trials, prostate cancer nurses, and our nationwide telenursing service.
“With 1 in 5 Australian men likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, local action has never been so important.”
To donate to Wayne Hemsworth, visit www.walkforhim.org.au/fundraisers/waynehemsworth
