“Having a positive bit of knowledge helps the possibility of a good outcome.”

Gene Yaremy likes to joke that after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he was “recruited” to the local support group by his wife Tina, a long-time volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society. “She told them, ‘Oh Gene would love to do that,’ ” the 74-year-old recalls with a laugh.

As a support group volunteer, Gene has spoken to many people about life with prostate cancer. “The thing to do is to get information,” advises Gene to men newly diagnosed with the disease. “Come out to the support groups. So you can get information on others’ experiences.”

When Gene had a PSA test done in 1993, it detected a slightly elevated level for his age group. But it wasn’t until his PSA levels took a jump in 1996 that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. “I knew I was flirting with cancer for three years. So by then, I was quite familiar with what the situation was.” Because the retired engineer had done a lot of reading to learn about the disease, he said it wasn’t such a shock when he received his diagnosis. Gene decided to have surgery to remove his prostate in 1996. Three years later, his PSA levels were elevated again. So Gene underwent radiation treatments. Since 2000, Gene is cancer free.

Gene helps run the St. Catharines Living with Prostate Cancer support group. Gene is also involved with the Blue Ribbon Committee that raises awareness and funds for prostate cancer treatment in the Niagara region of Ontario. The Blue Ribbon Committee and the Canadian Cancer Society jointly run an annual information forum that attracts 300 to 500 people each September. “The first thing I do is tell them that they are not going to die tomorrow… Having a positive bit of knowledge helps the possibility of a good outcome.

“I had my diagnosis 11 years ago and I’m still here,” says Gene, who stays active by golfing and curling.