Man of the Month: David Ashcroft

January 2026
John Moody, New Zealand · PC-PEP Participant & Mentor since 2023

PC-PEP Man of the Month: David Ashcroft

Introduction

“Knowledge is power — and no one should face prostate cancer alone.”

This month we celebrate David Ashcroft, a deeply courageous PC-PEP participant, advocate, and patient leader living on a small island near Chester, Nova Scotia. David came to PC-PEP after a prostate cancer diagnosis that left him frightened, isolated, and struggling with depression — compounded by geographic remoteness, long waits for treatment, and the absence of tailored support for gay men navigating prostate cancer.

Living far from major centres and without access to peer support, David faced months of uncertainty following his diagnosis. Like many men, his first instinct was to act quickly and decisively — to “get the cancer out.” Without access to information or community at the time, his treatment decisions were made under the weight of fear rather than empowerment.

Everything changed when David encountered a PC-PEP poster by chance.

Through PC-PEP, David found connection, knowledge, and belonging. The daily practices, monthly education sessions, and peer support helped him understand his diagnosis, manage uncertainty, and reclaim a sense of agency over his health and future. For the first time, he felt seen — not only as a patient, but as a whole person.

Today, David is not only navigating survivorship with greater confidence, he is helping shape the future of PC-PEP itself. His voice and leadership helped inspire the creation of a dedicated PC-PEP support group for gay men — a space grounded in openness, honesty, and care, where no topic is taboo and no one has to explain or censor their experience.

David’s guiding messages:

“Knowledge is power — and it changes everything.”

“The waiting and the silence were harder than the treatment.”

“I wish I had been informed before making decisions out of panic.”

“Being seen and supported transformed my entire journey.”

“When we share our stories, we give others permission to heal.”

🎧 Hear David’s Story

In Episode 6 of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast, David Ashcroft shares his deeply personal journey — from diagnosis and isolation to empowerment, leadership, and connection.

With honesty and compassion, David speaks about the emotional toll of waiting for treatment, the mental health challenges many men face after diagnosis, and the unique realities of navigating prostate cancer as a gay man. He reflects on how access to information could have changed earlier decisions — and how PC-PEP gave him the tools to reclaim control, reduce fear, and support others walking the same path.

David’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is not only physical. It is emotional, relational, and rooted in community.

👉 Watch the episode: https://www.youtube.com/🎧 Hear David’s Story

In Episode 6 of the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PC-PEP) Podcast, David Ashcroft shares his deeply personal journey — from diagnosis and isolation to empowerment, leadership, and connection.

With honesty and compassion, David speaks about the emotional toll of waiting for treatment, the mental health challenges many men face after diagnosis, and the unique realities of navigating prostate cancer as a gay man. He reflects on how access to information could have changed earlier decisions — and how PC-PEP gave him the tools to reclaim control, reduce fear, and support others walking the same path.

David’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is not only physical. It is emotional, relational, and rooted in community.

👉 Watch the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHrAvbgsx4E
👉 Listen on podcast platforms: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420283/

💡 Key Messages of Inspiration

You are not alone.
Even in remote or underserved settings, connection is possible. PC-PEP transforms isolation into community.

Information changes outcomes.
Knowledge empowers men to make informed decisions — not fear-driven ones — and to advocate for themselves within the health system.

Inclusive spaces matter.
David’s leadership helped create a safe, affirming space for gay men within PC-PEP, ensuring that identity, intimacy, and lived experience are respected.

Community heals.
From phone buddies to monthly Zooms, shared experience reduces fear and builds resilience.

Leadership can grow from adversity.
David’s journey shows how lived experience can evolve into advocacy — helping others feel less alone and more empowered.

👕 The Story Behind the T-Shirts: Why It Matters

The PC-PEP T-shirts are more than just fabric—they are symbols of connection, awareness, and pride in being part of the PC-PEP community.

These shirts were made possible by David Ashcroft, a fellow PC-PEP mentor and author, who donated proceeds from his memoir Searching for Belonging and designed the artwork himself.

Gestures like David’s mean so much to our lab and the PC-PEP community. Each shirt sparks conversations, raises awareness about prostate cancer, and reminds men everywhere that they are not alone. These small acts help PC-PEP fulfill its mission: forming communities of empowerment that transform isolation into connection and fear into resilience.

🌍 About This Series

The PC-PEP Man of the Month series celebrates participants and mentors who embody courage, generosity, and the spirit of empowerment. By sharing their stories, we raise awareness about prostate cancer, reduce stigma, and highlight the power of community, connection, and hope.