Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy reveals prostate cancer battle

Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy has opened up about his experience with prostate cancer in a bid to get blokes to go for health checks.

Mayor Peter Murrihy and his pooch Frankie. Picture: Alison Wynd

In late 2018, Peter Murrihy hastily left a council meetingafter an ominous call from his doctor.

Mr Murrihy, who was elected mayor in June this year, had recently had blood-test screening for prostate cancer.

The initial test had returned a high prostate-specific antigen result,which can indicate cancer, so he did another.

While at the council meeting, a call from his doctor flashed up on his phone.

Mr Murrihy, who was elected to council in 2017 – and had also briefly served before administrators were appointed in 2016 – excused himself.

The doctor said the second test had returned another high reading.

“He said ‘you need to come and see me’,” Mr Murrihy recalled.

The 62-year-old asked the doctor if he should bring his wife – and the medico said yes.

Peter Murrihy at home with wife Victoria. Picture: Alison Wynd

“When you get when you get that phone call, you just break into a cold sweat,” Mr Murrihy said.

“You think the worst.

“I left that meeting, went home, picked up my wife, went to the doctor.

“He pretty much confirmed … (he was) 99 per cent sure that I had prostate cancer.”

Mr Murrihy had not experienced any symptoms prior to screening.

With this conversation occurring just before Christmas, Mr Murrihy underwent a biopsy in early January 2019, which confirmed he had prostate cancer.

“Over that Christmas New Year period was a very tough time,” the father-of-three said.

Mr Murrihy had surgery in late January 2019, and was “petrified” prior to the operation, which lasted about three hours.

“It’s the unknown,” he said.

“It was not a pleasant time.”

Peter Murrihy has spoken out about surviving cancer. Picture: Alison Wynd

He went on to be monitored carefully – some cancer had also been found outside the prostate but it had not spread throughout the body.

“The surgeon was still anxious …. because the cancer was found outside as well, whether he had been able to get it at all,” Mr Murrihy said.

Earlier this year, after frequent check-ups, Mr Murrihy was given the all-clear and declared cancer-free.

While family and friends knew about his cancer diagnosis, and he informed fellow councillors before surgery, his journey is not widely known publicly.

The multi-talented mayor, who has worked with the police force, been a stay-at home dad, and starred in a thriller film, said he had always been health-conscious.

He is hoping to raise awareness of the disease and encourage men to stay on top of their health checks.

Peter Murrihy has been a councillor for several years.

“When I was when I was diagnosed, the surgeon, I remember his words,” Mr Murrihy said.

“The surgeon said, ‘if you don’t get this treated, in five years time …,’ and he hesitated,” Mr Murrihy said.

“He said, ‘Well, you know, you’d be in real trouble’.”

Men over 50, or over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer, are recommended to talk to their doctor about testing as part of their regular health check-ups, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia says.

Mr Murrihy had elected to proactively test for prostate cancer and had been doing so for several years.

In 2020, prostate cancer was the third most common cause of cancer death in Australia, with more than 3560 fatalities.

In its early stages, prostate cancer may not show any symptoms, according to the Cancer Council.

Symptoms of early prostate cancer can include difficulty passing urine, frequent passing of urine and incontinence.

The organisation said prostate cancer was the most common cancer affecting Australian men (after non-melanoma skin cancer).

The experienced “heightened” Mr Murrihy’s outlook on life.

“Never waste a moment … just get on with things,” he said.

“I’m acutely aware how fortunate I am and try and do the best I can each day.”

Mr Murrihy will be one of three speakers at a free forum called Cancer: Beyond the Diagnosis, presented by Geelong Region Cancerians (GRC) in partnership with the Geelong Regional Libraries.

GRC founder and cancer survivor Phillipa Challis said the group organised the forum to provide an insight into what happens to cancer patients after the diagnosis.

“Our speakers will provide practical information as well as personal stories to inform patients, families and friends,” she said.

Speakers also include a McGrath breast care nurse and a mental health educator.

The panel discussion will take place at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre in Little Malop Street on Wednesday, November 9 from 6-8 pm.

Bookings are essential. Book via https://events.grlc.vic.gov.au/event/7215746

For further information visit www.geelongregioncancerians.com.au

Originally published as Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy reveals prostate cancer battle