By Jed Lanyon
Former Healesville resident Tony Duddy is urging men to undertake regular medical checks in an effort to tackle cancer early.
Mr Duddy has become an advocate for men’s health after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017 as well as having polyps removed from his bowel and three types of melanoma skin cancers removed from his body.
Mr Duddy, who now lives in Mount Gambier, said that he is in good health and has attended local fundraisers for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September.
He now shares his story to co-workers, while telling them of the importance of keeping on top of regular visits to the doctor.
Mr Duddy said that prostate cancer is the second biggest cancer killer of men in Australia, claiming 3500 lives a year.
“Really by getting early checks we should be able to reduce that number down by 80-90 per cent,” he said.
“One of the fears that blokes have is the digital examination but that happens less and less now.”
Mr Duddy said that blood examinations are the most common approach before determining whether a digital examination is necessary.
Mr Duddy said that having prostate cancer can have a toll on a man’s mental health. He admitted to having his own struggles following his involvement in a car collision, where a motorcyclist was killed.
“There was a study that said that men with prostate cancer are 70 per cent more likely to commit suicide.
“All cancers have a higher risk of suicide but prostate cancer rates higher.
“It’s because it’s in a man’s manhood, so it can get into your head. It does threaten your confidence.
“The feedback I’ve had from guys has been mind-blowing. I have had a lot of guys coming here saying they’ve had their checks and they have been well received and that everything is under control.
“The number of people getting cancer is getting higher and higher. Odds are that you’re going to be affected by cancer.
“That’s why it’s important to get on top of it before it gets on top of you.”
Mr Duddy and his family have had a long connection to the Healesville township as he said his great-grandfather moved to the area in the 1850’s.
“There’s been a Duddy in Healesville ever since then. My mother is the only one living there at the moment. One day I plan on moving back again.”
