Now 57, Mr McDonell was diagnosed at 54 and even at that early state it was inoperable and "fully out of control". But had it been detected just six months later, he "wouldn't be here" now, he says.

The "scary thing" about prostate cancer, Mr McDonell explains, is the lack of symptoms.

The only reason he had gone to the doctor for the consultation that resulted in a diagnosis was to get his regular check-up - which was a year overdue.

"I'd had a check-up two years earlier and there was nothing, [I was] all clear. Everything was good. [I was] healthy," he said.

If his prostate cancer had been detected just six months prior, it would've made a huge difference.

But, he's quick to add, "there's no use looking back because it only gives you a crook neck".

Fortunately, due to his otherwise good health, Mr McDonell was successful in securing a place on a drug treatment trial around seven months ago which has so far been successful in halting his testosterone levels - which is what "fans" prostate cancer.

"[The treatment is] suppressing it. Like, the fire's still there but it suppresses it enough," he said.

"There's about a 70 - 80 percent chance that [the treatment] could give me three to five years without having the chemotherapy."

Despite all the upheaval to his life since he accepted the Stars of Orange nomination, Mr McDonell was determined not to pull out when it was announced that - unlike 2020's event - this year's gala night would go ahead.

Besides, not only did the dance competition present him with the perfect means of not "sitting on my arse, feeling sorry for myself", it was also an opportunity to get a message out.

"This is a little platform to promote men's health and to say - especially to you fellows like me who think you're fully bulletproof-.... go and get your annual check-up," he said.

"It's only a needle. Don't be such a bloody goose... It's a little blood test that doesn't even hurt.

"Don't be like me and miss that one year [of getting checked] and then all of a sudden, it's too late."

The Stars of Orange gala night is on June 26. To donate to any of the Stars' fundraising efforts, head to the Cancer Council website.

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