25 June 2025
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Shayna Jack has joined Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia as a new Ambassador to help raise awareness and funds for the cause after her dad was diagnosed with the disease.
The announcement comes off the back of her appearance on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, where she announced that her dad, Stu, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023 at 58 years of age.
Shayna said she was thrilled to join the team to help shine a spotlight on Australia’s most commonly diagnosed cancer and encourage other dads to get tested.
“When dad was diagnosed, hearing the word cancer instantly made me emotional, scared and worried about the potential of losing one of the most important people in my life,” she said.
“Dad was diagnosed after a regular PSA blood test that he got as a precaution – having that test early saved his life.
“He underwent surgery to remove his prostate and is now doing much better.
“I am so proud of him for doing what was right for his long-term health and ensuring that he did everything to have a long, happy life.”
Shayna said after watching her dad go through a diagnosis, she wanted to use her platform to help encourage other men – dads, brothers, uncles and friends – to get tested.
When detected early, five-year survival rates for prostate cancer are close to 100 per cent.
“My hope is to raise much needed awareness of early detection and the support services available from PCFA,” she said.
“Get checked – a simple PSA test can save your life.
“I also want to make people aware that being diagnosed with prostate cancer is nothing to be ashamed of and that it’s okay to talk about it and ask for help and support. You don’t have to go through it alone.”
Across Australia, more than 26,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and around 3,900 men die from the disease annually.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO Anne Savage commended the Olympic swimmer for making a splash in the fight against prostate cancer.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Shayna as an ambassador and know that her strong voice will make a significant impact to our work,” Ms Savage said.
“Awareness of prostate cancer in Australia remains low and many men are still hesitant to get tested, not realising that the first step is just a simple PSA blood test.
“With Shayna’s support we can continue to raise vital awareness and help save the lives of the 1 in 5 men at risk of prostate cancer in their lifetime.”
For more information about prostate cancer and to find a local support group, please call 1800 22 00 99 or visit www.prostate.org.au.
