06 May 2026
For Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group President John Daven, the group has never been just a meeting. It has been a place of understanding, relief, friendship, and purpose.
John’s own prostate cancer story began after attending a PCFA information night at a local club. With no symptoms at the time, he decided to include a PSA test in his annual medical check-up.
For several years, his PSA remained stable, until blood appeared “where it should not have been” and his GP referred him to a urologist.
A biopsy later confirmed aggressive prostate cancer with a Gleason Score of 8.
John says the diagnosis left him stunned. He recalls thinking: “What do I do now?”
After considering his options, John underwent brachytherapy at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, describing it as “one of my life’s better decisions.”
He has since continued regular testing and remains grateful for the care, information and support that helped guide him through treatment.
But it was the support group that helped him realise he was not alone.
“My Central Coast support group was a great help to me once I started to attend,” John says.
“I found that I was not the only one experiencing a whole lot of issues, and being able to speak openly about them in a secure environment was such a relief.”
John first became involved with the group around 2010, about 2.5 years after his treatment ended. Within a few meetings, he found himself stepping into the role of President.
More than a decade later, he says the work remains extremely rewarding.
“What motivates me is the feeling I had after attending the group, the relief from stress I gained, and felt after being able to exchange experiences with others who cared,” he says.
John believes support groups should stay focused on care, connection and practical support for men and their families.
His advice is simple: “Keep the support group meetings totally focused on the care and support of men and their families.”
The Central Coast community will soon have another opportunity to come together, with the annual Central Coast Big Aussie BBQ returning in partnership with PCFA and Bayer.
The free lunch and presentation will raise awareness of prostate cancer and screening, and give local men and families a chance to learn more in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Registrations are now open via Dr Gordon Reid MP’s website.
NB: Please note that the newsletter incorrectly stated that John Daven was the person featured in the photo. This was incorrect. John Daven is pictured above, and the person shown in the newsletter photo is David Golding. We sincerely apologise for the error.
