About the website
The Prostate Zone is for men facing prostate cancer and their partners. Confusion and distress are common – we wanted to help, so this website was born.
About us - who are we?
We are an Australian couple who have experienced and outlived prostate cancer.
Throughout our prostate cancer adventure, we have gained experience dealing with the testing, diagnosis, treatment and recovery processes.
Now we both work as advocates for men and their partners, to achieve better outcomes for others.
Alan White
I have been involved with men’s health for many years and I am currently the Group Leader of the Bayside-Kingston Prostate Cancer Support Group in Victoria.
In the past, I was an Ambassador for the Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia (PCFA).
As well as counselling and natural therapies, I practise and teach Reiki.
For more than 20 years, I have been a volunteer Men’s Health Peer Educator with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
In 1969, as a member of the Australian Air Force, I completed a tour of Vietnam. I am still fascinated by aircraft.
I lived for many years in Albury-Wodonga, which was where I had some great adventures in amateur theatre.
If you know me, you will be well aware of my passion for Hawaiian shirts. I think my wardrobe is now home to at least 30 gorgeous shirts. I definitely don’t do beige!
Keeping fit and healthy is a very important part of my life. I’ve always enjoyed playing sport, especially volleyball.
Finally, whilst recovering from my prostate cancer surgery, I wrote a book about the whole experience.
Fiona White
Like Alan, health and wellness are key interests of mine. In the 1990s, I studied complementary medicine and I practise Reiki with Alan.
In 2023, I became the Treasurer for the Bayside-Kingston Prostate Cancer Support Group.
I had my own cancer experience in 2013 and 2014 when I was diagnosed with a gastric MALT lymphoma (a type of stomach cancer) and had radiation therapy.
I lived and worked in Las Vegas, USA, for a couple of years (which was fascinating).
As a child, my family lived in a suburb of Melbourne until my father retired from the Army. We then moved to country Victoria and spent a couple of years on a small farm – getting up close and personal with sheep, chickens, cows, dogs, cats and a donkey.
When Alan wrote his book, I was his editor and helped prepare it for publication. We are lucky to have several talented friends who drew the cartoons, took the cover photo and designed the cover layout.
In 2015, I created this website. Together with Alan, I work hard to make it a reliable source of accurate, relevant and practical information for men and their partners.
Achievements
Awards
2023
Max Gardner Award (PCFA)
Alan was a joint recipient of this prestigious annual award for an individual member of the Prostate Cancer Support Network that has made an outstanding and significant contribution to reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men, their partners and families, recognising the diversity of the Australian community.
2019
Victorian Minister for Health Volunteer Awards
Alan won for Outstanding Achievement by a Volunteer: Improving public healthcare.
Presentations
2023
Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
Alan & Fiona were invited to present at the 2023 MASCC Annual Conference in Nara, Japan
