Meet a consumer representative in the Barwon South Western region

Alan is an 81-year-old retired industrial chemist / chemical engineer.

He is married with two adult children and two teenage grandchildren.

Allan is also a 20-year survivor of stage 4 prostate cancer, involving the lymph nodes. He has undergone a range of treatment including surgery, hormone therapy and radiation. A recent incidental discovery of thyroid cancer has required additional surgery and radio-iodine therapy. He also has been diagnosed with nodal chest metastases, which are now being checked for the most appropriate treatment.

Alan has participated as a consumer representative in a range of roles including the Barwon South Western Region Integrated Cancer Service (BSWRICS) consumer group during COVID and partner involvement with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) grant application to raise awareness of early testing in South Western Victorian region.

Alan is also heavily involved with prostate cancer research through funding bodies, project teams and the Victorian Cancer Biobank, and via a daily diet of clinical research trials.

Alan says, when dealing with cancer, “Become an empowered patient by getting educated about the disease and by adopting a lifestyle that is healthy for both the body and the mind. As a consumer, learn and contribute from research and peer support opportunities.”