Brisbane City councillor Ryan Murphy reveals prostate cancer diagnosis

A Brisbane city councillor has revealed a shock cancer diagnosis, saying some quick-thinking from his GP has probably saved his life.

Brisbane City councillor Ryan Murphy with wife Emma Yabsley and their daughter Elodie. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

A Brisbane councillor has revealed that he is facing a major health battle.

Cr Ryan Murphy took to social media on Tuesday to reveal that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“Recently, I was diagnosed [with] Prostate Cancer,” Cr Murphy posted to Facebook.

“I’m 36, and the chances of getting this cancer at my age are about 1 in 100,000.

“It’s stage II and treatable, but caught just in time.”

Mr Murphy shared that he found out about the diagnosis during a standard blood test while checking on his cholesterol and said Dr Phillip Wuth “saved my life”.

“I only found out because my GP, the amazing Dr Phillip Wuth at Carina Medical & Specialist Centre added a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test to standard blood work when I was checking my cholesterol.

Cr Murphy with his wife Emma and daughter Elodie. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

“A normal PSA reading for a man my age is under 2, mine was 11. I have no family history, and no symptoms. Phil saved my life.”

Mr Murphy said if had not found out when he did, he may have found out the hard way later in life.

“My urologist is certain that if I had not found this cancer now I would find out the hard way before turning 40,” he said.

“This cancer affects one in five men in their lifetime, and while the odds of getting it under 50 are low, they are still there.

“I found out by sheer luck. But I hope in the future other men don’t have to, which is why I am sharing my story.”

Mr Murphy said the diagnosis led to him joining forces with Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia to advocate for a national screening program.

He will also take some time off to undergo treatment and thanked Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, the wider council, and his family for the support he had received.

“In August, I will take some time away from the role I have as your councillor, and the Transport Chair to undergo treatment,” he said.

“Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and his wife Nina have been so supportive as have the wider Team Schrinner and the LNP.

“But more than anyone, I am so grateful to have the love and support of my amazing wife Emma, and my dynamo daughter Elodie – who has no idea what’s going on – we intend to keep it that way.

Ryan Murphy has thanked Adrian and Nina Schrinner and other colleagues on council.

“I thought long and hard about saying anything at all about this, but ultimately I wanted you to know so you can better care for yourself and the other men in your life.”

Mr Murphy encouraged men over 40 to get a PSA test added to their next blood test.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner described the diagnosis as a “wake up call” for young men.

“Ryan is not even 40, and he was one of the few people in Australia this year to be diagnosed with prostate cancer under the age of 40,” Cr Schrinner said.

“What it does show is that it is possible for young people to get this. Traditionally it’s seen as a disease associated with an older age, but not anymore.

“The great news is that you don’t have to have the invasive tests anymore. You can take a blood test and a PSA, and you will find out whether you’re at risk. And so that is exactly what happened with Ryan, and we’re so grateful that he actually got that test.”

Cr Schrinner said Mr Murphy would have the support of council moving forward.

“There will be some challenges going forward, if he needs to get treatment later on this year, we’ll gather around him - we’ll support him,” he said.

Originally published as Brisbane City councillor Ryan Murphy reveals prostate cancer diagnosis