Don Helgeson and his wife Lisa (Submitted photo)

By Ian Holmes

Cancer advocate

Prostate cancer scare compels Nanaimo man to step up advocacy

Dec 4, 2021 | 6:16 AM

NANAIMO — A three time cancer survivor has new role in his retirement years: helping other people grappling with the same harrowing health battles he faced.

Don Helgeson of Nanaimo, a recently retired longtime RCMP corporal, was compelled to make his private health battle public by publishing a detailed memoir in August after he beat an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

The 52-year-old had the life-altering news confirmed after a second blood test last fall flagged something wrong.

While he was well supported by family and friends, Helgeson felt he required connections with men of a similar age to hear how they approached their diagnoses and treatment options.

Helgeson found the guidance he was looking for through Man up to Cancer, available on several platforms including a private Facebook group and a website.

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“I was able to lean on others within that online community to try and get through it and then I realized even if it’s just locally or among my group of friends and family, maybe I can help make a difference,” Helgeson said.

COVID-19 rules reduced access to in-person physician visits, emphasizing the importance for Helgeson to constantly be connected with prostate cancer survivors.

“It was just incredible, I was able to find out what they did, why they made some choices they did for treatment and also what to expect during the process, whether it’s a biopsy, CT scan, bone scan, to be able to speak to somebody was totally invaluable.”

Helgeson opted for surgery, resulting in the successful removal of the disease during a January 2021 operation at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

Don Helgeson is indebted to the online community Man up to Cancer. Now he’s advocating on behalf of the advocacy group. (Submitted photo)

During recovery, Helgeson assembled a detailed timeline of his severe health challenges, including visits with specialists and the process of various blood work, scans, surgery and post-surgery life.

Publishing the ups and downs has been therapeutic for Helgeson’s mental health.

“All of the support I’ve had in getting the message out and talking to people has led also to better physical health. Overall, I’m in a great place.”

Helgeson is serving a one-year term as a Wolfpack Leader through Man up to Cancer to share his experiences and offer supports to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers worldwide.

On top of conquering prostate cancer, Helgeson also beat melanoma and colon cancer before the age of 40.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes