15 April 2026
At 56, Peter Schweizer is not slowing down. Next month, he’s set to run his second half-marathon in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, remarkably his second half-marathon since his diagnosis in May 2024.
Mr Schweizer of Bonogin never expected to hear the words “you have prostate cancer.”
Having lost both of his parents to cancer at a young age, Mr Schweizer was always vigilant about his health. Regular check-ups were part of his routine, but even then, the warning signs were subtle.
“In May 2024, it rose to 5,” Mr Schweizer recalls. Further testing saw his PSA climb again. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of stage 2 prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 7.
“I was shocked. I wouldn’t wish the experience on anybody,” he says.
Mr Schweizer made the decision to undergo surgery to remove his prostate in August 2024. Thankfully, his recovery has been strong.
“I’m feeling good now, and I exercise daily. I went back in October 2025 for another PSA test, and the results were great,” he adds.
Mr Schweizer’s story is not just one of diagnosis and recovery. It’s also one of resilience and action.
Even before his diagnosis, Peter had transitioned from decades of playing soccer to running.
On Saturday, May 16, Mr Schweizer will take part in a half-marathon 21-kilometre run in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, alongside friends from his running club, Good Times Running Club.
It will be his second run since his diagnosis and part of a personal commitment to complete one destination run each year.
“I’ve done one run in since my diagnosis already, a half-marathon at Uluru in July last year. That was an awesome experience, and it’s all about staying active and showing what’s possible.”
Mr Schweizer is also using the New Zealand event to raise funds for prostate cancer, setting a goal of $2,026 this year.
His experience has also reinforced something he wishes more men understood: family history of prostate cancer matters.
“What I didn’t realise is how much your risk increases if you have a family history. I later found out my grandfather died of prostate cancer, and my uncle also had his prostate removed.”
Now, Mr Schweizer is making sure the next generation is informed.
“I’m constantly telling my son to keep an eye on it when he’s older.
“You service your car every year, so why shouldn’t you do the same for your health?”
Help Pete reach his goal here: https://fundraise.pcfa.org.au/fundraisers/HawkesBay
For more information about prostate cancer, or to find a support group, visit www.prostate.org.au or phone 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.
