Active surveillance prostate cancer is at the heart of Episode 1 of the PC-PEP Podcast, where John Moody from South New Zealand shares his powerful, moving, and often humorous journey. His story offers insight, hope, and practical wisdom for anyone navigating a prostate cancer diagnosis or considering active surveillance as a treatment pathway.
Prostate cancer affects men worldwide, and so does the PC-PEP program, now reaching participants from Canada all the way to New Zealand. Led nationally by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, PC-PEP offers men and their partners structure, empowerment, daily practices, and emotional support. John’s episode beautifully illustrates how life-changing this approach can be.
A Diagnosis That Shifted Everything
John’s prostate cancer story began with what he believed was a low-risk situation. With only a 6% chance of cancer, he expected a routine result. But the biopsy confirmed a diagnosis—one that echoed his brother’s earlier cancer experience. Suddenly the “healthy one” in the family was now a patient.
Many men exploring active surveillance prostate cancer find reassurance in hearing real-life experiences like John’s.
His wife lives with chronic fatigue, and all three children have autoimmune conditions. He had always been the strong, steady anchor. Prostate cancer shook that identity, leaving him feeling vulnerable and disempowered.
Yet this was only the beginning of John reclaiming his strength.
John’s story helps normalize active surveillance prostate cancer as an empowered and compassionate choice.
Choosing Active Surveillance Prostate Cancer Management
Doctors offered differing treatment options. Some advocated for aggressive treatment; others recommended conservative monitoring. John sought wisdom from support groups, other survivors, and healthcare professionals. It was a nurse who gave him the grounding words that guided his mindset:
“Don’t let it spoil your day.”
Active surveillance offered John:
- A way to live with the cancer, not feel defined by it
- The ability to avoid unnecessary side effects
- Space to maintain the life he valued with his wife and family
This choice became one of empowerment rather than fear.
Finding Strength, Community, and Perspective
John attended a men’s support group and later connected with Pros-Fit and other resources, although he wished he had joined the PC-PEP buddy program sooner. Still, every conversation helped him process his diagnosis while staying grounded in what mattered most.
He did not want to revolve his entire world around cancer.
He wanted to live.
And that intention brought him to the program that changed everything.
How the PC-PEP Program Helped Transform John’s Life
John completed the full six-month PC-PEP program, which includes daily practices in:
- Pelvic floor strengthening
- Physical activity
- Emotional resilience
- Nutrition
- Self-intimacy and relationship building
- Breathwork and meditation
Through these practices, he experienced a renewed connection with himself—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Most remarkably:
His PSA levels decreased and remained stable even after completing the program.
This stability gave him confidence in his active surveillance prostate cancer plan and reduced anxiety about routine check-ups. Instead of living in fear of numbers, John started living in alignment with his values.
“Some Selfishness is Good” — A Lesson in Self-Care
One of John’s most powerful reflections is that self-care is not selfish—it is foundational. To continue supporting his wife, children, and others, he needed to replenish his own emotional and physical reserves.
He learned to:
- Speak kindly to himself
- Create space for his own needs
- Prioritize joy and well-being
- “Nurture and nourish your soul”
These PC-PEP teachings became life practices he still uses today.
A Uplifting Reminder for Us All
John’s story is not just about prostate cancer.
It is about identity, resilience, partnership, and empowerment.
Episode 1 reminds us:
- You can live well with prostate cancer
- Active surveillance is a valid, empowered choice
- Self-care strengthens relationships
- Community reduces fear and isolation
- Transformation is possible at any stage
This is what PC-PEP stands for: not letting cancer define your life — but choosing how you live it.
Listen to the Full Episode
Community, Evidence, and Honesty Drive Transformation
When men hear another survivor say, “You are not alone,” something shifts.
Isolation lifts.
Hope returns.
This is the living pulse of prostate cancer empowerment.
Conclusion: Empowerment Begins with Information, Grows Through Community, and Thrives Through Honesty
Our weekly blog aims to hold space for truths that men often carry alone. By weaving together survivor stories, resources, and evidence-based tools, we hope to offer clarity, confidence, and connection to every man facing prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer empowerment grows through community, evidence-based guidance, and the courage to speak openly about survivorship.
About PC-PEP
PCPEP.org is a comprehensive, research-driven program that builds resilience, improves quality of life, and helps men remain active participants in their care. Through structured daily practices that strengthen both body and mind, the program empowers men and their partners to take charge of their wellbeing.
Learn more at https://pcpep.org
Explore more survivor stories: https://pcpep.org/podcast
Additional Resources
Canada: https://www.prostatecancer.ca
New Zealand: https://prostate.org.nz
Europe (EAU Patient Centre): https://patients.uroweb.org
South Africa: https://prostate.org.za
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