09 June 2025
When Mark Millar’s brother started urging him to get a PSA test – it turned out to be a brotherly warning that saved his life.
“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2019 after my older brother advised me to get tested after he was diagnosed with the disease,” Mr Millar said.
“At first, my GP noticed a rise and referred me to a urologist, who performed a biopsy, which came back with a Gleason scale of 9.
“In December 2020, I underwent surgery to remove my prostate. After being cancer-free for a year, the cancer returned.
“In March 2022, I received six weeks of radiation and hormone treatment via injection over the next 20 months. By June last year, my PSA began to rise again, and I was sent for another PET scan.
“This time, the cancer had spread beyond the prostate area to a couple of lymph nodes. My treatment was taken over by an oncologist who prescribed further hormone therapy treatments.
“My PSA is now back to undetectable again and has been for the last 5 months.”
The Torquay local is now determined to raise awareness of the disease to ensure that other men get diagnosed before it’s too late.
He’s joined Walk for Him, an Australia-wide walking challenge held during Men’s Health Week (June 9-15) to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).
Mr Millar said he got involved because he believes there needs to be more awareness for prostate cancer in the community.
“Taking part in Walk for Him has helped me spread the message out there that prostate cancer is Australia’s most diagnosed cancer, and that it kills 4,000 men each year. That number is far too high,” he added.“If you catch it early, like in my case, excellent treatments are available now to keep you healthy and alive.”
Mr Millar has already surpassed his initial fundraising goal and hopes to keep raising as much as he can.
“I’ve been blown away by the support that I’ve already received, and I hope to raise much more,” Mr Millar said.
Locals are encouraged to get behind Mr Millar and 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 Mark, please visit: www.walkforhim.org.au/fundraisers/markmillar
To sign up or donate, visit: www.walkforhim.org.au or phone PCFA on 1800 22 00 99 for support.
