CQU Mackay senior lecturer Dr Rod Jewell took to the track at Mackay Showgrounds last weekend, completing several laps to raise money for cancer research in Queensland in the annual Relay for Life event.

Dr Jewell was diagnosed in October last year with prostate cancer and had surgery in January.

Well on the road to recovery, Rod was lucky the cancer was detected early and treated quickly.

His message is that early detection is very simple process.

“Although prostate cancer is more prevalent than breast cancer, most men do not think to get the simple PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test done on a regular basis,” he said.

Dr Jewell is urging “all men, 45 and over, to at least discuss this issue with their GP. I would also urge all women to convince the men in their life who are 45 or over, to do the same”.

He was joined at the weekend by other members of the Mackay Prostate Cancer Support Group.

Relay for Life is one of the many fundraising events organised by the Queensland Cancer Fund.

It is now the world’s largest fundraising event, held in 14 countries, including America where it was started by just one man in 1985.

The Queensland Cancer Fund aims to raise over $2 million at Relay events this year.

If you would like to pledge a donation towards Rod’s cause please contact him on 4940 7421.

Photo above: CQU staff members supported Dr Rod Jewell’s quest to raise money for cancer research last weekend at the Relay for Life at Mackay showgrounds. Pictured left to right, Dr Sanjay Sharma, Dr Rod Jewell, Annie Webster and Kass Fenton.