20 August 2025
“I never thought I would be one of the statistics – I was bullet proof. Then I was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer, and it had already spread to my bones.”
Simon Ebsworth said his diagnosis in 2023 was a “kick in the guts”.
“I had no idea how prevalent prostate cancer was among men. It’s now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and shouldn’t be ignored.”
Next month, Mr Ebsworth will be walking and riding 72km around Primrose Sands as part of The Long Run to raise awareness of prostate cancer and encourage more men to get checked.
The Long Run, led by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), encourages Australians to cover at least 72km throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month (September) – a symbolic distance honouring the 72 men diagnosed with the disease each day.
“Once I had been diagnosed and started treatment, I started up a Facebook group and invited all my family and friends to follow my journey,” Mr Ebsworth said.
“That alone inspired other males in the group to get checked and have a PSA blood test – so I joined The Long Run to do my bit in raising awareness.
“Men need to know that this disease is not selective – I had no family history of the disease – so you need to proactively look after yourself and get regular checks.
“Drop that huge male ego – we’re not bullet proof and do the right thing. “
Since being diagnosed, Mr Ebsworth has been on hormone therapy which reduces testosterone levels to help slow the growth of the cancer.
“Hormone therapy has a lot of side effects which you have to live with – you are essentially chemically castrated and it really impacts your mental health.
“No one has been more impacted than my wife, but she is my absolute rock and has been with me every step of the journey. I couldn’t do it without her by my side.”
More than 26,000 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year – yet only 36 per cent of men are diagnosed at stage one when prostate cancer is easiest to treat.
To support Mr Ebsworth, visit www.thelongrun.org.au/fundraisers/simonebsworth.
PCFA CEO Anne Savage also encouraged the community to get on board The Long Run.
“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia,” Ms Savage said.
“While survival rates are drastically improving, around 4,000 men are still dying from the disease each year.
“It’s our goal to invest in lifesaving research and clinical trials that will help save their lives, and in addition, provide access to vital support services to help them navigate this devastating disease.”
Ms Savage said that taking part in The Long Run was a practical way for everyday Australians to help join the fight to save more lives.
“We’re on a mission to defeat this disease, but we can’t do it alone,” she said.
“Every Australian has the power to play a part in this fight – whether you raise funds or raise awareness about the disease this September, it all makes a difference.”
Those who sign up and raise $50 or more by September 1 will also receive a free event T-shirt.
Visit www.thelongrun.org.au today to get involved.
For more information about prostate cancer and to find a local support group, call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.prostate.org.au.
