Barnaby Joyce, the recently re-elected MP for New England and former deputy prime minister, has disclosed his diagnosis of early-stage prostate cancer. He informed the public that he is scheduled to undergo surgery tomorrow and is advocating for other men to prioritise regular health checks.
Joyce’s diagnosis followed a prostate-specific antigen test conducted by his general practitioner, which raised concerns. Subsequently, he underwent scans and a biopsy that confirmed the presence of cancer. However, he remains optimistic, stating that the cancer was detected at an early stage, reflecting his fortune in addressing the issue promptly. He told the ABC, “If I thought it was very serious, of course I’d resign, but my doctors say, ‘You’re very lucky you’ve got it early.'”
The politician had been actively campaigning for re-election and described the process as a “welcome distraction” from his health concerns; however, he chose not to disclose his diagnosis during that time.
Prostate cancer is notably prevalent in Australia, being the second most common cancer among men and ranking as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Statistics reveal that one in six men will be diagnosed by the age of 85, with around 18,000 new cases identified annually. Fortunately, many prostate cancer cases can be effectively treated, especially when detected early.
Joyce urges men to take their health seriously and get tested, as knowing the symptoms can be crucial. Some common indicators of prostate cancer include frequent urination—especially at night—difficulty starting urination, weak urine flow, burning sensations during urination, erectile issues, painful ejaculation, blood in urine or semen, and persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs.
Joyce’s experience sheds light on the importance of health awareness and the benefits of early detection in battling prostate cancer.