Chris Manning | MyCity Logan | June 21, 2024
Former professional boxer Joe Augustine suffered his biggest blow outside the ring when he was diagnosed with stage three prostate cancer two years ago.
It was a fight he thought he would lose, but Mr Augustine is recovered and now advocates for men’s health.
“My biggest thing is I don’t want another bloke to go through what I’ve gone through,” the Shailer Park resident said.
“I had some symptoms, and although a family friend suggested a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, I was sceptical due to my age.
“I told him: ‘Mate, I’m 48, there’s no way I’d have prostate cancer’.”
But he did, and it had spread to his bladder and three lymph nodes on his left hip.
“Which means those little buggers were gearing up the army to attack,” Mr Augustine said.
“It was perfect timing in regards to saving my life.”
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Australia, with around 25,400 cases reported last year.
Mr Augustine now spends much of his time teaching men about understanding their health, knowing what to look for, and the importance of seeing a doctor when “something doesn’t feel right”.
“The first six months was the hardest but because I boxed all my life,” he said.
“It was one of those things when you know you’ve got to fight, and you can’t get out of the boxing ring.
“I didn’t want to be the friend or family member everyone talks about in past tense.”
He said his passion for teaching also kept him fighting.
Mr Augustine was a professional boxer for a decade and won the 1988 Australian Title at age 16, before transitioning into automotive training.
He currently works at the Meadowbrook Australian Trade Training College (ATTC) campus.
“I’ve always wanted to pass on what I’ve learned, and I’ve found my passion in automotive training,” he said.
The ATTC manager of training services, Pauline Grant-Smith, said men in trades often overlooked their health until “it becomes a serious issue”.
She said it was important men underwent regular health checks.
“We often prioritise safety on the job, yet it’s equally crucial to focus on our health outside of work,” Ms Grant-Smith said.
This story was originally published via MyCity Logan: https://mycitylogan.com.au/boxer-fights-cancer-champions-health/
