If this is in the wrong place... by all means, mods, move it.

Just seen on Fox Sports that John 'Sam' Newman of Geelong and the Footy Show fame is battling prostate cancer. Some people will probably shrug and say 'good'. Others, myself included, find his political incorrectness to be rather amusing and will wish him the best in his battle. Would be a shame to lose one of the few blokes who is still prepared to tell it like it is.

Good luck Sam.

If this is in the wrong place... by all means, mods, move it.

Just seen on Fox Sports that John 'Sam' Newman of Geelong and the Footy Show fame is battling prostate cancer. Some people will probably shrug and say 'good'. Others, myself included, find his political incorrectness to be rather amusing and will wish him the best in his battle. Would be a shame to lose one of the few blokes who is still prepared to tell it like it is.

Good luck Sam.

Ditto. It is always sad to see someone with a serious illness. He has allowed his story to go public to help others and warn of the dangers of this illness. Hopefully he will make a full recovery.

Love him hate him or not fussed either way, I seriously doubt anyone could wish this disease on anyone.

At times I find him "mildy amusing" to quote himself, but other times I find him to be an arrogant so and so. I have to admit that when I logged on to my computer this afternoon and it was the headline page on msn, I couldn't believe it and then when I read that he has allowed cameras in to see what he is going through in the operating theatre, I take my hat of to the bloke.

If he can help other men be more aware of their own bodies by this story going to air on 60 mintues, he is alright in my book.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

From what I have read, Sam is in with a reasonable chance of recovery.

Whilst I don't know the particulars of his case, I have had some experience treating patients with prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is by no means a death sentence. Most of the time it is picked up by routine screening blood tests and digital rectal examination (yes exactly what that sounds like). If these tests are suggestive of cancer, the patient is advised to have a 'TRUS' (transrectal ultrasound) biopsy, whereby a needle is guided (with the assistance of an ultrasound probe up the back hole) to randomly take biopsy samples from the prostate. If these biopsies detect a cancer, this can be graded and its malignant potential estimated.

Those who are under the age of 70 with no significant medical comorbidities are considered for surgery. The operation is called a 'radical prostatectomy', and involves complete surgical removal of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles (which help produce some of the fluid that is ejaculated with semen).

The 5 year disease free survival rate following prostatectomy depends on tumour stage (T1, T2, T3). Between 80 and 90% of patients who have organ-confined disease (no spread outside of prostate - stages T1 and T2) will remain free of recurrence after 5 years. The 5 year disease free rate of locally invasive disease (T3a/b - spread through the capsule of the prostate but not to other organs) is about 75% and of T3c (worse local distribution of cancer) 10 - 20%. Most surgeons would not operate on patients with evidence of metastatic disease (spread to other organs).

(Statistics from Oxford textbook of Surgery, 2nd edition)

So from what I can gather, Sam has an operable cancer and hence at least a reasonable chance of gracing our TV screens for years to come. His main problems from here on will likely relate to potential post-operative complications (impotence [40-50%] and urinary incontinence being the main issues in these patients). And of course he will have to deal with regular trips to the doctor, pathology lab and CT scanner to help detect any recurrence should this eventuate.

Why would anyone hate Sam Newman?

He is a funny bloke. He is a hell lot smarter than the average bloke in the street. Yeah hes a smartass, but big deal

The guy never killed or maimed anyone.

Get well soon, Sammy

Almost all men will eventually have a problem with their prostrate and it can be hereditary, I have an enlarged prostrate same as my father. If you get it checked regularly then you shouldn't have a problem but if you don't then you can die. The late great Teddy Whitten died of prostrate cancer.

Blood test every two years and examination every year or so will help, not nice but it's over quickly. I have my next visit to the urologist next week, will be glad when it's over.

Good luck Sammy, can't wait till your better and annoying everyone again!

Good luck Sammy, can't wait till your better and annoying everyone again!

A speedy recovery Sam... the footy public will miss you

Almost all men will eventually have a problem with their prostrate and it can be hereditary, I have an enlarged prostrate same as my father. If you get it checked regularly then you shouldn't have a problem but if you don't then you can die. The late great Teddy Whitten died of prostrate cancer.

Blood test every two years and examination every year or so will help, not nice but it's over quickly. I have my next visit to the urologist next week, will be glad when it's over.

The checkup is a necessary evil, asked my doctor for a 2nd opinion...he just smiled at me funny and then used two fingers

The checkup is a necessary evil, asked my doctor for a 2nd opinion...he just smiled at me funny and then used two fingers

Haha.