Prostate cancer awareness month: George’s story

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men. More than 25,000 cases are diagnosed every year.

Raising awareness of the causes and symptoms of prostate cancer can save lives through better prevention measures, earlier detection and more effective courses of treatment.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time to increase awareness of the disease – and to raise much-needed funds for vital medical research. This year, we share the story of our client, George, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer due to workplace exposure to hazardous chemicals.

The signs of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow and divide in an abnormal way. 

Symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• Trouble urinating
• Decreased force in the stream of urine
• Blood in the urine
• Blood in the semen
• Bone pain
• Losing weight without trying.

George’s story:  from dangerous exposure to compensation

For 70-year-old George, exposure to herbicides at work, including 2,4,5-T, contributed to the development of his prostate cancer.

George was employed as a labourer in the late 1980s, when he was exposed to dangerous agricultural herbicides. As part of his job, George mixed herbicides for application on vegetation.

It wasn’t until decades later, in May 2020, that George began to feel burnt-out and saw his GP. Sadly, George was subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer. 

George initially contacted us about his workplace exposure to dangerous chemicals. We quickly identified the link between that and his devastating prostate cancer diagnosis.

George contacted our specialised occupational diseases team for advice and we helped him navigate the legal process and obtain compensation for his pain and suffering.

How do we help workers with occupational-related prostate cancer?

The lawyers in our Asbestos and Occupational Diseases team help everyday Australians who suffer from a range of occupational diseases – including prostate cancer caused by breathing in herbicides (including 2,4,5-T), by-products from fire, smoke, fumes, gases and other hazardous chemicals at work.

We are dedicated to making sure all workers diagnosed with work-related prostate cancer are fully supported and can access associated compensation entitlements.

But we are also committed to the prevention of work-related prostate cancer, and that’s why we are equally committed to raising awareness of occupational risk factors and the need for funding for research to help prevent prostate cancer occurring.

If you’ve been exposed to herbicides (including 2,4,5-T), by-products from fire, some fumes, gases and other hazardous chemicals at your workplace and are concerned you might be at risk, see your GP. It is important you tell them about your occupation and exposure levels so they have all the information.

Your GP can guide you on your need for ongoing monitoring, depending on your specific circumstances.

If you have been diagnosed with a condition you believe could be related to your work exposure, it is important to get legal advice to help you understand your rights and options.