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Ian Morrison LIBERATE participant

Icon Writers / 20 Mar, 2025

Ian is living proof of how research can make a difference.

Cancer research changes lives, bringing hope and better treatments to those who need them most.

One of those patients is Ian, a former AFL star whose journey highlights the real impact of cancer research.

Ian is living proof of how research can make a difference.

Taking part in the LIBERATE* clinical registry funded by Icon Cancer Foundation, 70-year-old Ian is currently undergoing focal low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy for prostate cancer.

LDR is a newer treatment and a minimally invasive 30-minute outpatient procedure that’s changing the way we approach this disease.

Exploring treatment options

For Melbourne resident Ian, his wife Shelley and their adult children Angus and Madeline, who both live overseas, Ian’s cancer diagnosis in October 2022 came as a shock. Tests revealed early-stage prostate cancer and Ian was faced with a big decision about what to do next.

“I asked my doctor about my options,” says Ian. “Surgery was one, but my doctor suggested exploring focal brachytherapy first.”

This newer treatment, which is less invasive than surgery, appealed to Ian for its ability to preserve his quality of life and keep future treatment options open.

Ian and Shelley were initially cautious until they met with radiation oncologist, Dr Andrew See. “Dr See really put us at ease,” shares Ian.

“It wasn’t as invasive as surgery to remove the prostate, and I liked knowing I could try something else if it didn’t work.”

Staying positive through cancer

For Ian, dealing with cancer hasn’t been all doom and gloom. Instead, he focuses on living well and enjoying life with family and friends.

“The kids took the news hard, but my diagnosis didn’t make me think the worst,” says Ian.

“I felt confident because research has meant that treatment has come a long way. My main worry was about how the treatment might affect me physically.”

Embracing life every day

These days, Ian keeps busy running a gardening business and spending time at his home away from home in France. For him, staying active is key.

“I’ve always believed in focusing on what you can do. Keeping busy helps me not dwell on the negatives,” says Ian.

Ian is also a big advocate for cancer research and clinical trials. “Donations are so important. Every bit of progress in treatment is thanks to research and we need to keep that going.”

The power of choice

Today, Ian’s cancer remains stable, and he feels good about the path he chose. “Focal brachytherapy was absolutely the right decision for me,” says Ian. “If I’d gone straight to surgery, I would’ve been beside myself with worry.”

For Ian, having a choice in his treatment options has been life-changing—a choice made possible by years of research and clinical trials.

“It’s incredible to think that the work researchers have done gave me an option that fits my life so well. Without that research, I might not have had this opportunity,” says Ian.

Ian’s story is a powerful reminder of how research and clinical trials can change lives. From footy fields to gardens and travels abroad, Ian is a testament to what’s possible when people come together to support medical innovation.

“I’m grateful every day for the quality of life I have, and I hope my story inspires others to stay positive and explore all their options.

If you have the means to do so, please consider donating to support vital research to help patients like Ian.

Donate here

*LIBERATE is Australia’s only clinical registry collecting data from prostate cancer patients receiving focal low dose rate brachytherapy. The research project is exploring the long-term quality of life and rates of cancer control of this newer procedure. The data will help inform future treatment for men with prostate cancer.

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