Together with his brother Frank, Ray is taking part in Walk for Him this Men's Health Week, June 15-21, to raise funds and awareness for PCFA and help more men take action early.
The Perth brothers know first-hand the impact prostate cancer can have on a family.
Their father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1995. More than two decades later, Ray was diagnosed in 2019, followed by Frank in 2020.
Now, they are using their story, their support group connections and their volunteer work to encourage men to understand their risk, speak with their GP and reach out for support.
Ray is adding Walk for Him to his cruising holiday this June, with plans to walk laps of the promenade deck of the MV Crown Princess.
"Walking laps of the promenade deck of the MV Crown Princess will undo some of the work of the ship's excellent buffet," Ray said.
"As well as photos of me walking the planks, our team's fundraising page, The Fast Lanes, may include some hilltops from South Africa, Namibia, the Canary Islands and Spain."
The Lane family has a strong history of prostate cancer, with Ray and Frank both passionate about encouraging men to know their family history and get tested.
Ray was diagnosed two days before Christmas in 2019, after noticing symptoms and booking an appointment with his GP.
"That was when I learnt that if your father or brother has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your risk doubles. If two or more close male relatives have been diagnosed, your risk increases five-fold," Ray said.
"So, promptly after I was diagnosed, I rounded up my three brothers, brothers-in-law and cousins and their adult sons to get a PSA test."
As a result, Frank was diagnosed with prostate cancer in mid-2020 at age 66.
Both men underwent a radical prostatectomy and continue to undergo regular monitoring.
Frank said Ray's guidance, and the support of PCFA, helped him navigate the early stages after diagnosis.
"Ray advised me to call PCFA, and the lady I spoke with was very compassionate and helpful, and forwarded me information booklets. I then joined the Ocean Reef Prostate Cancer Support Group too," Frank said.
"The benefit of being part of a group is that you can talk to people who have gone through the prostate cancer journey, as well as those who are also at the beginning.
"You realise you are not alone with these issues, and you can talk about these things and not be embarrassed.
"Everyone understands what you're going through and supports each one."
Ray and Frank are now regular volunteers with PCFA at local fundraising and awareness events, including the monthly Classic Cars & Coffee event, which raised $27,000 for PCFA in 2025.
Ray said support groups play an important role in helping men and families find connection, information and encouragement when they need it most.
He said funds raised through Walk for Him would help drive progress in prostate cancer
research, treatment and support.
"I encourage others to think of the money raised for research as an investment in the future of our children rather than just a donation to this most worthy charity," Ray said.
"Within a generation, Australian research may help to turn the trauma of prostate cancer into just an interesting medical footnote, like scurvy and smallpox."
Frank said his message to other men was simple: know your family history and speak with your GP.
"I have four sons, and I have emphasised to them that they should establish a baseline PSA and inform their GPs about the family history of prostate cancer," Frank said.
"This goes for other men too; discuss having a PSA test with your GP."
PCFA CEO Anne Savage said Ray and Frank's story showed the life-changing impact of support groups and community action.
"Nearly 29,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and nearly 4,000 men will die from the disease," Ms Savage said.
"Walk for Him is about walking for the men we love, while raising vital funds for research, awareness and support services for men and their families.
"Ray and Frank's story is a powerful reminder that prostate cancer can run in families, and that early detection can save lives."
This Men's Health Week, June 15-21, Australians are encouraged to join Walk for Him by walking 25km, or any distance, to help save lives.
To find a prostate cancer support group, visit www.prostate.org.au or phone 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse
To donate to Ray and his team, visit www.walkforhim.org.au/fundraisers/thefastlanes.
To sign up, visit www.walkforhim.org.au or phone PCFA on 1800 22 00 99 for support.
