Chris’s story: Early testing, football and feeling alive again

Chris fell in love with football when he was a child playing barefoot on concrete and muddy fields. For the past 30 years, the game has kept him fit, connected him with mates, and anchored him in his community.

Four years ago, something else began showing up which began to weigh on his mind: a slow, consistent rise in his PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels at his annual GP checks.

It wasn’t sudden, but the upward trend was hard to ignore, and Chris knew it was a sign that something wasn’t right.

In 2024, after further tests, Chris was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Today, he wants other men to hear one clear message: don’t wait – get checked.

Facing a challenging diagnosis

Chris first learnt of his rising PSA levels through his yearly check-up with his GP.

He kept an eye on it as, if your PSA level rises above 3 ng/mL (called the threshold), this may be a sign of prostate cancer.

Finally, in 2024, his doctor referred him to a urologist for further testing after a round of antibiotics didn’t help to lower his PSA levels.

Chris then underwent a series of tests including a PET scan, MRI, and biopsy, which confirmed what he had feared: prostate cancer.

“It was a really confronting time and it wasn’t easy telling my kids about it.” Chris shares.

Early checks made all the difference

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and second most common cause of cancer death in Australian men.

In NSW, roughly 9000 men get diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and around 1090 men die of the disease.

Fortunately, Chris’s cancer was found early, before it had spread beyond the prostate.

“I’m very thankful I followed the doctor’s advice and did my yearly tests,” Chris recalls.

Because of early detection, surgery was the only treatment he needed. 

Just two months later, follow-up blood tests showed his PSA was undetectable, which filled Chris with a profound sense of relief.

“It’s given me a new lease on life”, Chris says.

Getting back to what he loves

Just a few months on, Chris has already returned to the football pitch and he couldn’t be happier.

“Honestly, I rely on football to keep me fit. If I had to give it up, I’d be lost,” Chris says, “it’s also a great way for me to spend time with mates”.

Off the pitch, Chris is also back to enjoying spending time with his kids and grandchildren, as well as travelling for work.

“I went through all sorts of emotions getting diagnosed with cancer, but getting back to my normal routine so quickly has shown me that getting tested regularly is worth it.”

Together, it’s all of us against cancer – starting with simple steps like talking to your GP.

For more information, visit our prostate cancer information section. 

If you, or someone you know has any questions about cancer, call us on 13 11 20 or visit cancercouncil.com.au/get-support.