Jim Marshall - Bio (2018)

Shortly after he was diagnosed with a large, aggressive, locally advanced prostate cancer in 2009, Jim Marshall began organising mutual help for men with advanced prostate cancer and their partners.

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Nine years on, for men and partners looking to understand their disease, their treatment, and the journey of others, Jim is the best recognised patient advocate (under his nom-de-plume - JimJimJimJim).

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As founder and Convenor of the Australian Advanced Prostate Cancer Support Group Jim has:

• spearheaded campaigns to make new drugs available to Australian men, including Zytiga, Xtandi and Xofigo.

• been called before a Senate Standing Committee on The availability of new, innovative and specialist cancer drugs in Australia.

• contributed to advanced prostate cancer resources such as Advanced Prostate Cancer Xplained by MedicineX and the Advanced Prostate Cancer Pack by PCFA.

• given presentations at the World Cancer Congress in Melbourne.

• been a guest speaker at many local Prostate Cancer Support Groups and Prostate Cancer events.

In the past year

• 52,000 people viewed a JimJimJimJim video;

• 90,000 emails were sent from the JimJimJimJim website and forums;

• 12 monthly teleconferences were held, bringing the total to more than 87 over the years. The largest in 2017 drew 250 live participants (50 from our group plus 200 from international colleagues we invited to share with us. It has since had 1,600 YouTube views.

• Jim:

  • led a Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) delegation to the Prostate Cancer Research Institute conference in Los Angeles - the biggest prostate cancer patient conference in the world;

  • spoke to community groups and local members in marginal electorates advancing prostate cancer issues;

  • met with the Prime Minister to discuss getting a treatment on the PBS;

  • visited regional meetings of members; and

  • was invited guest speaker at two Parliamentary Luncheons in Canberra. At the end of one of these Parliamentary Luncheons, Jim was presented with the PCFA Max Gardner award - "In recognition of distinguished service and outstanding contribution in the Australian community".