Gary Aboud reveals prostate cancer diagnosis and urges men to get screened

Gary Aboud has revealed that he is battling prostate cancer, turning a personal diagnosis into a public appeal for men to take screening seriously.

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Fortunate for me, I got it early.

Aboud, the general secretary of environmental advocacy group Fishermen and Friends of the Sea and owner of the Mode Alive home-decor chain, disclosed his diagnosis in a video posted on Facebook. He said regular check-ups detected the disease early, after his assistant encouraged him to undergo screening twice a year once he turned 55.

He urged men over 50 to get checked regularly and asked families to encourage fathers, husbands, brothers and other older men to see a doctor. Aboud acknowledged that some men may avoid prostate examinations because of the physical aspects involved, but said they should discuss alternatives, including blood tests, with their doctors. “Fortunate for me, I got it early,” he said, adding that “early detection is the best saviour for prostate”.

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Early detection is the best saviour for prostate.

The businessman, who became emotional while delivering the message, said he believes early detection has improved his chances of fighting the disease. Messages of support followed his announcement, with many people commending him for speaking openly about a private health issue.

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I am positive, forever positive, and I am going to beat it.

Aboud also described meeting a six-year-old boy undergoing radiation treatment, an experience that motivated him to help families of children under 16 who have cancer. He said even a toy or small gift could bring happiness during treatment and invited affected families to reach out. “I am positive, forever positive, and I am going to beat it,” he said. He also urged people facing difficult circumstances to focus on gratitude, love, happiness and service to others, saying, “You could take plenty punches and still have a smile.”

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You could take plenty punches and still have a smile.