Gerard knows plenty about cancer, fortunately. Being a general practitioner didn't help Gerard escape the diagnostic biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, CT scans, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stem cell harvesting following his diagnosis of non Hodgkin's lymphoma in the neck five years ago. But his medical training did help him cope with the disease. "I really just put my mind in neutral," Gerard says. "None of it was unbearable, although I was very tired, especially after the stem cell harvest. "I was able to read and interpret the medical literature, I was always able to walk and I did not suffer psychological distress. I found plenty of things to busy myself; in fact, I found I had too much to do." Proof, if ever there was, that the more information available to those affected by cancer the better they cope.

Dr Gerard says Relay encourages activity, which is good for health in general, but also for the prevention of cancer!

Amazingly, Gerard used the year of his treatment to gain extra medical qualifications and was awarded a National Health & Medical Research Council Postgraduate Scholarship.

However, Gerard says his diagnosis did considerably distress his parents and mother-in-law, and was naturally of concern to his wife and four children.

Since the diagnosis, Gerard has participated in four Relay For Life events in Launceston and says they are great team bonding activities for patients and staff of the practice where he works.

"I think it is important to let people see that cancer is compatible with enjoying life. I also enjoy the Relay because you meet many people that you otherwise rarely see in the course of a busy professional life.

"The Relay gives support to those diagnosed and undergoing therapy or whose prognosis is less favourable. It also gives a sense of meaning to those who have lost someone dear from cancer," Gerard says.

"As a public health physician I see that Relay also encourages activity, which is good for health in general, but also for the prevention of cancer!

"I am sure it is a good fundraiser for The Cancer Council whose advocacy, support services and research are certainly much needed."

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www.cancertas.org.au last updated 6 January 2009