With just two weeks until The Long Run begins, Gold Coast lifesaver Nathan Long has emerged as one of the campaign's fundraising heroes.
The 52-year-old screen printer and lifesaver has raised more than $6,000 after being diagnosed with stage four metastatic prostate cancer in March.
Nathan's cancer had already spread to his lymph nodes, hips, pelvis, spine and lungs when it was discovered. He has since undergone chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiation treatment.
Despite the pain, fatigue and physical toll of treatment, Nathan is determined to keep moving and raise awareness so other men have the chance to detect prostate cancer earlier.
"If I can prevent anyone from having to go through what I'm going through, that'll mean the world to me," Nathan said.
After losing two friends to cancer, Nathan began requesting annual blood tests. However, he later discovered PSA testing had not been included in recent years because of his age and lack of family history.
When he began experiencing urinary problems in January, he initially hoped they would resolve themselves. After the symptoms continued for around six weeks, he visited his doctor.
In March, Nathan received the news that would change his life.
"I thought prostate cancer was an old man's disease," he said.
"There was no family history, so I never really thought about it. When the blood test, MRI and PET scan showed what it was, I was blown away."
Nathan now wants other men to understand that prostate cancer can affect them even without a family history.
"It's a simple blood test that can literally save your life," he said.
Following his diagnosis, Nathan reached out through the PCFA's Support Groups online community, where he connected with other men and read helpful information about living with prostate cancer and managing treatment.
"Talking to other blokes and hearing that they've been living with it for three years or five years and are still doing well has helped," Nathan said.
"Treatment these days is completely different. There are new things coming up every day and every year."
Nathan has also found strength in his close-knit family and the Gold Coast surf lifesaving community. Friends, colleagues and former schoolmates he has not seen in decades have rallied behind his campaign.
PCFA's The Long Run challenges Australians to walk, run or ride 72km throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this September.
The distance represents the 72 per cent of men who experience mental health challenges following a diagnosis but do not seek support.
PCFA Chief Executive Officer Anne Savage urged individuals, businesses and community groups to get involved.
"A diagnosis can affect every part of a man's life, including his relationships, work, identity and mental health," Ms Savage said.
"You don't need to be a runner to make a difference. You can register as a team, take part while you're walking the dog, run with your family, ride a few kilometres each day, or simply register and raise $50 to get your free awareness shirt.
"What matters is signing up, starting conversations about early detection and helping ensure no man faces prostate cancer alone.
"Every registration raises awareness, while every dollar helps fund vital research and life-saving support for men and their families."
With just two weeks to go, register free and raise $50 by September 1 to receive your official 2026 awareness shirt at www.thelongrun.org.au.
