Jason Britton's life was turned upside down at just 43 years old after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The Burleigh Heads local said the diagnosis came as a shock due to his age and was the toughest experience of his life.
Now, on the road to recovery, Mr Britton is fighting back to help raise awareness of the disease and support other men diagnosed by taking part in The Long Run this September.
The Long Run is a Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) campaign calling on Australians to run, walk or ride 72km throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and funds for research and support.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the local region, and one Australian man will be diagnosed every 22 minutes.
"I was only 43 when I was diagnosed and had no idea what to expect. Luckily, the disease was in a treatable stage and I was able to beat it following a radical robotic prostatectomy.
"However, for me, this was only the beginning of my fight with cancer.
"The reason The Long Run is a 72km challenge, is because 1 in 5 men will suffer from anxiety and depression as a direct result of their diagnosis, however 72% of them will not seek help for it.
"Unfortunately, I fell into that percentage and paid a heavy price, despite eventually reaching out and getting the proper help required.
"I'm here today thanks to the support from family, great friends and experienced professionals and I'm passionate about doing my bit to raise awareness and much needed funds to help others through that post-cancer period."
With one in five Australian men likely to be diagnosed in their lifetime, PCFA is calling on people to register now at www.thelongrun.org.au.
People can also support Mr Britton through his fundraising link at www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/jasonbritton10803
Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Anne Savage, commended Mr Britton for making a difference.
"Community action is key to cancer control, helping us to raise awareness of Australia's most commonly diagnosed cancer and encourage early detection," Ms Savage said.
"Importantly, The Long Run helps us support men and their families, providing vital funding for clinical trials and PCFA prostate cancer nurses.
"Jason is a role model and an inspiration - demonstrating that together we can make a difference, helping love go the distance against prostate cancer."
Several thousand eager runners, walkers and cyclists are expected to join The Long Run this September, with a total goal of $1 million for research, support services and awareness.
Go to www.thelongrun.org.au to register.
