Prostate cancer affects 1 in 5 Australian men, yet many men still avoid talking about it.

In this powerful episode of the Talking Toowoomba podcast, I speak openly with Dr. Viv Tse from the Icon Cancer Centre Toowoomba about prostate cancer, PSA testing, treatment options, recovery, and the emotional side of the journey.

We cover:
• Symptoms and early detection
• Why regular PSA testing matters
• Surgery vs radiation treatment
• Hormone therapy explained
• Sexual health and recovery
• Support services available right here in Toowoomba

I also share my own experience with surgery and ongoing treatment.

If this conversation helps even one bloke book a GP appointment, it’s worth having.

Link for ICON Cancer Centre https://www.facebook.com/iconcancercentre

Helpful links: -
About prostate cancer: https://iconcancercentre.com.au/conditions/prostate-cancer/
Treatments for prostate cancer: https://iconcancercentre.com.au/conditions/prostate-cancer/treatment/

• (00:00:09) - Talking Toowoomba
• (00:01:54) - Prostate Cancer
• (00:04:09) - Prostate Cancer risk in men
• (00:06:05) - Screening for prostate cancer
• (00:08:45) - Prostate cancer: How to find it early enough to treat it
• (00:14:05) - Choosing the right treatment for prostate cancer
• (00:17:29) - How common is it for someone who's had the prostatectomy
• (00:19:02) - Radiation Side Effects 6 weeks after my treatment
• (00:24:18) - Married men with prostate cancer
• (00:27:52) - Prostate Cancer, surgery and hormone therapy
• (00:31:31) - Prostate Cancer: Side effects, emotional aspects

A truly powerful and heartfelt episode on Talkin Toowoomba. Lorraine shares her remarkable journey — from growing up in regional Toowoomba to becoming a dedicated volunteer at Hope Horizons. What star

ted as receiving support during her own cancer experience has turned into giving back to others walking a similar path.

Every Wednesday, Lorraine volunteers at Hope on the Hangar in Highfields, helping run a high-end thrift shop that funds vital allied health services for people on their wellness journey. But for her, it’s about far more than just raising money, it’s about connection, community, and lifting people up when they need it most.

Lorraine opens up about profound personal loss, losing her son, her mother, her husband, and facing her own cancer diagnosis. Through it all, her outlook remains grounded in resilience, positivity, and a simple but powerful mindset: focus on today, because it’s a gift.

Her story is a reminder of the impact of community support, the strength of the human spirit, and how giving back can help heal not only others, but yourself as well.

If you’ve ever considered volunteering, Lorraine’s message is simple: just give it a go. You’ll get just as much out of it as you give.

This is one of those conversations that stays with you.

Listen now and be inspired.

#TalkinToowoomba #HopeHorizons #Community #Volunteering #CancerSupport #RealStories #Toowoomba

• (00:00:15) - Talkin Toowoomba
• (00:01:26) - Meet Lorraine
• (00:05:14) - One woman's story of cancer
• (00:09:32) - One volunteer's story of prostate cancer
• (00:18:11) - "This is My Day..."
• (00:19:21) - A message about volunteering at Hope Horizons

On this episode of The Talkin’ Toowoomba Podcast, Shane sits down with Lynda to share a powerful and deeply personal cancer journey.

After self-diagnosing for four years and pushing through the warning signs, Lynda was eventually told she had an 8.5cm tumour. What followed was major surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and the removal of her pelvis, a life-altering operation that changed her forever.

But this isn’t a story about fear.

It’s a story about faith.
About attitude.
About asking questions.
And about the power of support.

From learning to walk again, to managing pain, to embracing services at Hope Horizons Cancer Wellness Centre, Lynda shares how community care, meditation, acupuncture, natural therapies and a fierce determination helped her rebuild her life.

She speaks honestly about the physical and emotional toll, the importance of advocating for yourself, and why staying positive isn’t naïve, it’s powerful.

If you or someone you love is navigating cancer, this conversation is real, raw and incredibly inspiring.

Listen now and be reminded: you are not alone, and there is support available.

• (00:00:15) - Talking Toowoomba
• (00:01:22) - Talking To Him With Cancer
• (00:05:08) - What did you do after being told you have cancer?
• (00:07:32) - The surgery for bowel cancer
• (00:09:26) - How has the cancer surgery changed your life?
• (00:14:44) - A single doctor's help after an operation
• (00:16:39) - Hope Horizon for cancer patients
• (00:20:58) - A Week in the Life with acupuncture
• (00:24:54) - Cancer treatment and allied health services
• (00:32:52) - One woman's battle with cancer on Talking Toowoomba