“You’ve just got to live day to day. I live my life fully.”
– Con Salan, Prostate Cancer Fighter
At age 67, Con had just retired from a 35-year career in plumbing and excavation. He was settled on his beloved 90-acre farm, and had watched his five children grow up, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren come into the world. Con was 71 when a prostate cancer diagnosis changed everything.
Conrad “Con” Salan, the second-youngest of 15 children, was born in 1940 on a sprawling 2,000-acre farm in regional NSW. In a twist of fate at a local dance, Con met his future wife, Mary, after his sister bet him six pence to introduce himself. That small wager led to a lifelong love, and on December 5, 1964, Con and Mary were married, beginning a beautiful journey together.
However, in 2011, their lives took a heartbreaking turn. Mary was battling lung cancer, and their daughter, Catherine, was facing a breast cancer diagnosis. The weight of these battles pressed heavily on Con’s heart, but his enduring spirit and love for his family saw him through these challenging times.
After his GP noticed that his PSA levels were rising and his prostate was enlarged, Con unknowingly began his own cancer journey. Con Salan’s journey is one of incredible resilience and heartbreak.
In July 2011, he faced the devastating loss of his wife to lung cancer. With a family history of prostate cancer, Con made the difficult decision to have his prostate removed. Pathology tests revealed a small cancer.
For seven years, Con’s life returned to a semblance of normalcy. But in 2018, his PSA levels began to rise once again. His PSA levels fluctuated dramatically—from five to three then up to 10, and finally skyrocketing to 27.
A PET scan later revealed the harsh reality: his cancer had spread, with two spots on his pelvis and three on his spine.
Con undertakes monthly injections with a gel that minimises the testosterone that makes the cancer grow and spread, aiming to shrink the spots. Mixed with medication, Con maintains hope, and remains positive with the support of his family.
“We can definitely find a cure – there’s so many different types of cancer but through research I’m sure we’ll find it. It may not be in my lifetime, but I feel sure that one day we will.”
Since his prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, Con has celebrated joyous milestones, witnessing his granddaughter get married and welcoming multiple great-grandchildren into the world.
Con is now 84 and leads an active life on his beloved farm, where he maintains a large garden, keeps many animals, and loves watching the birds from his front veranda. He encourages his children and grandchildren to stay vigilant about their health and get tested regularly, firmly believing that early screening and awareness saves lives.
Your support of The Longest Table is helping revolutionise the way we diagnose and treat prostate cancer, sparking hope in the hearts of those affected, like Con, and their families.
