World Cancer Day 2023: Greg Browne living in moment during cancer treatment

A Lovely Banks man is determined to live life to the fullest as he undergoes treatment for his second cancer diagnosis.

Greg Browne is currently undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Pictured with his two of his Cavalier King Charles spaniels Fever and Inky. Picture: Alan Barber

A Lovely Banks man is determined to live life to the fullest as he undergoes cancer treatment for the second time.

Greg Browne was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December and is currently undergoing radiation therapy.

This is Mr Browne’s second cancer diagnosis after he was treated for melanoma in 2015.

“I am very lucky, I had a proactive GP who was suspicious of a spot on my scalp ... within a matter of days I underwent major surgery on my scalp,” he said.

Greg Browne from Lovely Banks is determined to live life to the fullest as he undergoes treatment for his second cancer diagnosis. Picture: Alan Barber

The 74-year-old said his first cancer diagnosis was “quite confronting.”

“I was diagnosed with a condition that sometimes doesn’t have a good outcome,” he said.

“On the second diagnosis, it was far less confronting because I had gone through the process of realising I wasn’t immortal.”

Mr Browne, who has been exhibited show dogs for more than 50 years, is receiving radiation therapy for two hours every weekday at the Icon Cancer Centre, located at Epworth Geelong.

He said he was grateful to be able to receive treatment at a nearby facility.

“I can access world-class facilities on my doorstep,” Mr Browne said.

“That is why the support of the staff in these facilities is so critical … and they provide a positive, upbeat outlook.”

Ahead of World Cancer Day this Saturday, Icon Group chief executive officer Mark Middleton said it was focused on closing gaps in cancer care and continuing to make treatment more accessible.

According to the Cancer Council, in 2020, it was estimated that there were just under 150,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed in Australia and just under 50,000 deaths from cancer.

Mr Browne is now determined to live in the moment and live his life to the fullest.

“It does change your attitude to some things in life, you do things more in the now.”

Greg Browne, 74, is determined to live life to the fullest as he undergoes treatment for his second cancer diagnosis. Picture: Alan Barber

Once his treatment is complete and he receives the all clear from his doctors, Mr Browne plans on travelling both interstate and internationally.

He said his cancer diagnosis and treatment had highlighted the people that mattered to him and careed about him.

“You value friends, you value the support you get, some support comes from unexpected quarters,” he said.

World Cancer Day is on February 4.

Originally published as World Cancer Day 2023: Greg Browne living in moment during cancer treatment