Cancer survivor’s aim to help other men through difficult journey with local volunteer group

For Albany man Greg Kidd, a shock diagnosis of prostate cancer changed his outlook on life.

The cancer survivor is now using his experience to help other men through the difficult journey by volunteering for the Albany Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Dr Kidd, an Albany veterinarian, was diagnosed with prostate cancer more than six years ago.

He joined his local support group on his return to Albany after surgery in Perth as a way to connect with other men who had been on a similar journey.

Realising the benefits of the group, he stepped up as leader, making it his mission to get more men involved, ensuring no one had to walk a prostate cancer journey alone.

“It’s important to have support groups to talk to — for men it’s difficult for them to speak up,” Dr Kidd said.

“There’s only a small percentage diagnosed in Albany that come out and talk to people. They don’t want to hear it, they want to go it alone, it’s private and don’t want anyone to know.”

According to the Cancer Council, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in Australian men, and the third most common cause of cancer death.

One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by age 85.

“It’s great to be able to talk to someone who’s walked in the shoes before you, just to understand and have a chat,” Dr Kidd said.

“The purpose is to educate men and their partners about what happens after a diagnosis and also provide a social group.

“There’s so much power in knowledge and there’s relief in being able to speak with others who have been there.”

Currently in remission, Dr Kidd advised other men to “take your health into your own hands”.

“The older demographic are very trusting in their doctors, they say ‘if there’s a problem they’ll ring me’ but they don’t,” he said.

The group meets on the third Thursday of every month from 9.30am-11am at the Beryl Grant Centre. For details, call Dr Kidd on 0433 404 920.