Eight years on: Why David still takes part in Dry July

When David was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018, it came as a complete shock.

“I went to the doctor for a pain in my neck. My GP recommended I do some blood tests, which included a PSA blood test to test for prostate cancer.

“If I hadn’t gone to the doctor, I still might never have known.”

Within months, David underwent robotic surgery to remove his prostate. Now 64, he reflects on how fortunate he was to catch the disease when he did.

“The only real way to know is to get your PSA checked,” he says. “If I’d known then what I know now, I would have been much more proactive.”

Not long after his surgery in April 2018, David decided to take part in Dry July, giving up alcohol for the month to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). Eight years later, he’s still going. Before his diagnosis, David describes himself as “quite a beer drinker”, but his relationship with alcohol has changed significantly over time.

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve naturally cut back,” he says.

More recently, another health challenge has reinforced that shift. After being diagnosed with arthritis, David was advised to limit alcohol intake due to the impact it can have on the liver.

“I’ve pretty much stopped drinking now,” he says. “Sometimes it’s just soda water.”

Over the years, David has raised funds with the support of friends, family and colleagues. While he admits it’s become a little harder since stepping away from work, his motivation remains strong.

“There’s no harm in asking,” he says. “You just hope people continue to support you.”

For David, the impact of prostate cancer hasn’t just been physical. Like many men, he says the mental toll can linger long after treatment ends.

“After prostate cancer, any ache or pain makes you wonder if it’s come back,” he says.

“You do become a bit paranoid.”

That’s why he believes sharing stories and raising awareness is so important.

“There’s more awareness now, but there’s never enough,” he says.

“If sharing my story encourages even one person to get checked for prostate cancer, it’s worth it.”

As Dry July approaches once again, David is preparing to take part for the eighth year running, proving that sometimes, the simplest actions can have the greatest impact.

“I take part in Dry July to make sure other men living with prostate cancer don’t go through it alone.”

For more information about prostate cancer, or to find a support group, visit www.prostate.org.au or phone 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.