The Wahroonga local has joined Walk for Him, PCFA's national walking challenge, which encourages Australians to walk 25km or any distance of their choice in support of men and their families impacted by prostate cancer.
Ian said he wanted to take part after recently being diagnosed with prostate cancer, following years of regular checks due to his family history.
"I've always had annual checks because my father died from prostate cancer, but this diagnosis still came as a shock. I had no obvious symptoms, which is why my message to other men is simple: get tested," Mr Thomas said.
"I'm an avid cyclist and I felt fit and healthy, so being diagnosed with prostate cancer was the last thing I expected. It's a reminder that you don't have to feel unwell to have something serious going on.
"My PSA had been climbing steadily, but nothing unusual. Then in January this year, aged 64, my PSA jumped to 7.9. By February, it was 8.1, so it was straight to a urologist.
"The next step was a prostate biopsy, which gave me a Gleason score of 9, and a recent PET CT showed that the cancer was contained within the prostate.
"My urologist has told me to keep living as normally as possible, and that's what I'm trying to do. Staying active is good for my mental health, and raising awareness gives me something positive to focus on.
"I'm not sure what I'll be able to do during Walk for Him, as I may be recovering from surgery, but I still want to do what I can to raise awareness and funds for other men and families impacted by prostate cancer.
"If there's one thing I want other men to take from my story, it's this: don't wait for symptoms. Get tested."
Nearly 29,000 Australian men are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and nearly 4,000 men will die from the disease.
An avid cyclist and walker, Ian has previously completed the 100km Tour du Mont Blanc in France with his wife and regularly walks through Lane Cove National Park, as well as sections of The Great North Walk around Thornleigh and Hornsby.
Locals are encouraged to get behind Ian and join the Walk for Him movement to help save lives.
Participants can walk 25km, or a distance of their choice, during Men's Health Week in solidarity with men and their families impacted by prostate cancer.
PCFA CEO Anne Savage called on the Wahroonga community to get involved.
"Walk for Him is a powerful way for Australians to raise awareness and funds in the fight against prostate cancer," Ms Savage says.
"This disease takes a significant toll not just on men, but also on their partners, families and communities.
"Every step taken and every dollar raised helps fund life-saving research, specialist nursing, telenursing, counselling and support services for men and their families.
"With prostate cancer remaining Australia's most commonly diagnosed cancer, local action has never been more important."
To donate to Ian, visit https://www.walkforhim.org.au/fundraisers/ianthomas.
To sign up, visit www.walkforhim.org.au or phone PCFA on 1800 22 00 99 for support.
