Prostate cancer survivor Jason Phillips set to take on 125km Cape to Cape run

A prostate cancer survivor is gearing up to run the South West’s Cape to Cape track. Jason Phillips, 52, was diagnosed with the disease in May last year and will begin his journey on the 125km track that runs along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge on April 24. As a keen runner, Mr Phillips undertook regular blood tests, with one at the age of 48 revealing moderately elevated prostate-specific antigen levels. After monitoring the levels for two years, he underwent an initial MRI that showed no concerns, but a later second look revealed some anomalies which were later confirmed by a biopsy to be prostate cancer. He underwent a prostatectomy only a month after his diagnosis. Mr Phillips said he was not yet back at his pre-surgery running paces, but he had made peace with the fact that may not ever happen. “After I had surgery, I wasn’t allowed to do anything for three months. That was one of the hardest times as someone who’s quite active,” he said. “I started my running journey again in September last year and in saying that, I didn’t get out the door and just start running again straight away, it was run and walk. “I had to build that fitness back up because I was trying to keep my heart rate relatively low to build up the aerobic fitness again.” Mr Phillips will cross the line on Anzac Day — a date that holds special significance to him as a navy veteran. “I did 12 years in the navy and I’ve been (a defence contractor) for nearly 20 years now,” he said. “It’s been a good portion of my life, so I just thought it would be fitting to finish it, all going well, on Anzac Day. “It’s got a personal meaning as well as nationally what it actually means.” Having just completed the 14th week of a 16-week race plan, Mr Phillips said he felt well prepared for the challenge of running the track. “(Last week) was the last big week, that was just shy of 100 kilometres,” he said. “Now I start tapering down until I do the challenge on the 24th. We’re over the peak and on the downhill run, so to speak.” Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia chief executive Anne Savage said Mr Phillips’ efforts would serve as inspiration for the thousands of Australians battling prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer among men. “His story is one of endurance and is emblematic of the challenge many men face when they confront prostate cancer,” she said. “Importantly, his run will help raise awareness of prostate cancer, with an estimated 600,000 Australian men at risk of the disease because of their family history.” Mr Phillips has already blown past his goal of raising $5000 for the foundation, with the figure sitting at $6682 on Wednesday morning. Donations can be made via his page on the PCFA website.