Australian television presenter and musician David Reyne has joined Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s Committee for the Elimination of Prostate Cancer, bringing a deeply personal understanding of the disease to the national push for zero deaths.
Earlier this year, the Getaway presenter and original Australian Crawl drummer underwent major five-hour robotic surgery for prostate cancer – an experience he has since described with characteristic candour and optimism.
Speaking about the experience in a recent interview with Nine, David described the gravity of confronting cancer.
“You’re staring down mortality,” he said.
David prepared carefully for surgery, including undertaking pelvic floor exercises, and fortunately recovered well.
“I came through with flying colours, fortunately,” he said.
But David also spoke candidly about the emotional burden of living with cancer, describing “that grey gloom looming in the background” even when treatment is progressing well.
Emerging from the experience has given him an outlook that is “all sunny and joyous” – a perspective he will now bring to the Committee’s national mission.
Committee Chair and former Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Wayne Swan, congratulated David on taking up the position, saying his honesty and ability to connect with Australians would make him a powerful advocate.
“David has spent decades connecting with Australians, and his willingness to speak personally and plainly about prostate cancer will help us reach men who might otherwise look away,” Mr Swan said.
“He understands how suddenly a diagnosis can bring your own mortality into view. He also represents the hope and renewed appreciation for life that can come from making it through treatment.
“David’s voice will strengthen our work to ensure more men understand their risk, get tested at the right time and have access to the best possible treatment and care.”
Prostate cancer is Australia’s most commonly diagnosed cancer. Nearly 29,000 men are diagnosed each year and almost 4,000 die from the disease.
Chaired by Mr Swan, the Committee for the Elimination of Prostate Cancer brings together influential Australians from public life, health, media, business and the community.
The Committee is developing a coordinated national roadmap to end avoidable deaths from prostate cancer, with a focus on earlier detection, greater investment in research, equitable access to treatment and stronger support for men and families.
“David’s decision to stand with us is both generous and powerful,” Mr Swan said.
“Zero deaths from prostate cancer is possible. Our task is to turn that ambition into national action – and voices like David’s will help us do it.”
Known to millions of Australians as a presenter on Getaway, David was also the original drummer for Australian Crawl and has built a distinguished career across television, music, radio and acting.
Following his full recovery from surgery, David is preparing to reunite with his brother James and other original members of Australian Crawl for the Red Hot Summer Tour.
For Australians living with and beyond prostate cancer, his return to the stage carries a hopeful message: a diagnosis may change the shape of your life, but it does not define who you are.
