Townsville man Len is taking part in Walk for Him this Men's Health Week after aggressive prostate cancer changed his life in 2022.
Len was 70 when he was diagnosed with Gleason 9 prostate cancer, after experiencing symptoms for some time.
While his cancer was contained within the prostate, the diagnosis led to intensive treatment, including radiation therapy over 41 days and androgen deprivation therapy.
Len said the treatment took a significant toll.
"ADT left me fatigued and affected me emotionally and physically. I felt like half the man I used to be," Len said.
Following radiation, Len developed painful urinary and bladder issues, as well as bleeding from the bowel. A colonoscopy later found a large ulcer on his bowel and bladder scarring caused by the intensity of the radiation.
After months of pain and unsuccessful treatments, Len underwent six weeks of hyperbaric treatment, which he says was about 90 per cent successful.
"My ulcer cleared up, and the bleeding stopped mostly. I still have small bleeds every now and then, but nothing like it was," he said.
Now living in a lifestyle village with his wife, Len has access to swimming pools and a walking track and has connected with other men who have been through prostate cancer.
He also meets with a few men every two weeks to talk about life, treatment and recovery.
Len said his PSA is now undetectable, which was the goal from the beginning.
"My aim was to kill the mongrel and get on with life," he said.
Len is now taking part in Walk for Him, PCFA's Men's Health Week fundraising campaign, to help raise awareness and support other men and their families impacted by prostate cancer.
"I'm alive and enjoying my life as it is now," Len said.
"What I've lost, I have gained in other ways. I have the best support system in my wife and family, and lots to live for. Dying isn't an option."
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is encouraging Australians to take part in Walk for Him during Men's Health Week, from June 15 to 21, walking 25km or any distance to raise funds for prostate cancer research, awareness and support.
Nearly 29,000 Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and nearly 4,000 men will die from the disease.
PCFA CEO Anne Savage said stories like Len's showed why awareness, early action and support were so important.
"Len's story is a powerful reminder that prostate cancer can have lasting physical and emotional impacts, even after treatment," Ms Savage said.
"This Men's Health Week, Walk for Him gives Australians a simple way to stand with men and their families, start important conversations, and help fund life-saving research, awareness and support."
Len said his message to other men was simple.
"Don't ever give up. Fight the fight. Life's worth it," he said.
To donate to Len, visit: https://www.walkforhim.org.au/fundraisers/lenjackson5064/walk-for-him-2026
To sign up, visit www.walkforhim.org.au or phone PCFA on 1800 22 00 99 for support.
