06 June 2025

Severe pain in Dave Southward’s back, hip, and upper right leg, along with night sweats, forced him to see a doctor, which ultimately led to his diagnosis of prostate cancer in 2023. 

The Morningside local will walk 50km during Men’s Health Week (June 9-15) to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA). 

“The doctor I saw recognised the symptoms and immediately had me do a PSA test, which came back really high (27), so I was referred to a urologist for further testing and a diagnosis,” he said. 

“They found that the cancer had already spread outside the prostate and into the bones.” 

From there, Dave underwent radiation and six rounds of chemotherapy, and has been on hormone therapy for the past two years to slow the growth of the cancer.  

“Thankfully, this has kept my PSA at .008 and successfully slowed the cancer down.” 

Dave said that while it’s been a roller coaster ride, he loves getting involved in fundraising initiatives to help make a difference. 

“Walk for Him helps raise much-needed funds for awareness and for groundbreaking research,” he said. 

“I love being part of this and when I’m out walking, I use it as an opportunity to wear my Walk for Him shirt and talking to people in the community about prostate cancer. 

“I want men to know that they shouldn’t wait for advanced symptoms like I did – get to your doctor and have a conversation about getting a PSA test. Take control of your own health. You won’t regret it.” 

Locals are encouraged to get behind Dave and join the Walk for Him movement to make a difference.  

Participants can walk 25kms, or a distance of their choice, in solidarity with men and families impacted by prostate cancer. 

PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, called on the local community to get involved. 

“The Walk for Him is a great way to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Australia’s most common cancer,” she said. 

“It’s a disease that takes a significant toll not just on men, but also on their partners and families, and on our community. 

“All funds raised during Walk for Him will support men and their families, clinical trials, prostate cancer nurses, and our nationwide telenursing service. 

“With 1 in 5 Australian men likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, local action has never been so important.” 

To donate to Dave Southward visit www.walkforhim.org.au/fundraisers/davesouthward  

To sign up, go to www.walkforhim.org.au or phone PCFA on 1800 22 00 99 for support.