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Jim Molan was upbeat and talkative in an interview just three weeks before he died of prostate cancer, with doctors admonishing Australians to watch out for symptoms, including changes in urination.
The retired major general and Liberal senator had been speaking about Australia and Chinese diplomacy during an interview with Sky News in December.
Molan appeared animated as he spoke coherently and lucidly from his home while on a video call with host James Morrow.
Less than a month later, he died on Monday at the age of 72, with his family revealing that his health had rapidly declined after the Christmas celebrations.
Jim Molan appeared as the picture of health during a live television interview three weeks before he died after a two-year battle with prostate cancer.
Dr. Dundee said that current treatment, such as chemotherapy and testosterone suppression, helped keep symptoms at bay, but had its own side effects.
Dr. Philip Dundee explained to Daily Mail Australia that treatment for prostate cancer is so advanced that it was common for people to look like they were still living normal lives.
“In men who have prostate cancer because it was not detected early enough, or when they are in the advanced stages of the disease, there is effective treatment, but it cannot be cured,” he said.
Molan was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in 2021.
Dr. Dundee said that most patients died when their prostate cancer had metastasized and spread to other parts of the body, indicating the depth of Molan’s fight.
“It can spread throughout the body to the lymph node system, bones and organs,” he said.
It can be painful. If the disease spreads to the bones, it can cause fractures. Even the presence of the disease in the bones can be painful.
“It can involve the spine and move to the spinal cord.”
Dr. Dundee explained that current treatments like chemotherapy and testosterone suppression helped keep the symptoms at bay, but they had their own side effects.
“This can include loss of muscle strength and bulk, a tendency to gain weight, impaired energy levels or hot flashes,” he said.
Prostate cancer is often difficult to diagnose, and the early stages of the disease are unlikely to cause symptoms.
“Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can include: frequent urination, painful urination, blood in the urine or semen, weak discharge, pain in the back or pelvis, and weakness in the legs or feet,” he explained.
Less than a month after the interview, Mr. Molan died at the age of 72 on Monday and his family revealed that his health had rapidly declined after the Christmas celebrations.
Dr. Michael Mosley explained how the prostate was affected by cancerous growth.
“The prostate is a gland, about the size of a walnut, that surrounds the urethra, the tube through which you urinate,” he said.
“Unfortunately, it grows after the age of 50, and men often experience symptoms caused by the prostate compressing the urethra, such as waking up frequently during the night and having difficulty starting to urinate.”
Some 24,200 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 with an average age of diagnosis of 69 years.
“Although these can also be symptoms of prostate cancer, they are usually the result of an enlarged prostate.”
Men are more likely to develop cancer in their 50s, although more are being discovered in their 40s.
“One of the scary things about prostate cancer is that there are rarely any symptoms until the tumor has gotten quite large or has spread,” said Dr. Mosley.
“And once that happens, you may experience back pain, trouble getting or keeping an erection, blood in your urine, or unexplained weight loss.”
Molan remained defiant following her diagnosis and optimistic about her future battle against the disease.
“I am receiving the best possible care from my doctors and I have the love, support and prayers of my family,” he said.
“I’ve never been afraid to fight the battles that need to be fought, and this is no exception.”
Molan (pictured in 2019 was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer in 2021
He took a leave of absence to start chemotherapy before returning to parliament and being re-elected to a six-year term in the 2022 election.
Public updates on his health were sidelined before his family broke the news Tuesday that he had lost the battle.
He was many things: soldier, pilot, author, volunteer firefighter, and senator. Above all, he was an adored husband, father, grandfather and brother,” his family said in a statement.
“Our loss is immeasurable, but we are comforted by the memories of a full life lived courageously, dedicated to family and service to the country he loved.
“We thank you for your thoughts and prayers, and for respecting our privacy at this difficult time.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute in an emotional post on Twitter.
‘Jim Molan lived his life in the service of our country. He was a man of principles and a politician of convictions. My condolences to his loved ones, colleagues and friends of his’, he wrote.
Dr Philip Dundee told Daily Mail Australia that treatment for prostate cancer was so advanced that it was common for people to look as if they were still living normal lives.
Public updates on Molan’s health were shelved before his family broke the news Tuesday that he had lost the battle.
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he left “an amazing legacy”.
“He was a very big man, Jim, big in stature…he had big ideas, he had big passions,” he said.
“Jim’s service in Iraq at the top level…was such as few Australian men and women had experienced, such was the respect held for Jim’s military capabilities.”
Another colleague and former minister Keith Pitt said it was a “great loss” for Senator Molan’s family, parliament and Australia.
“A guy who would always take your call,” Pitt tweeted.
Defense Minister Richard Marles paid tribute to his exemplary military service.
“Obviously we are on opposite sides of the fence, but we both share an interest in national security…he was an honorable and kind man and, having served in the Senate for five years, he has been a fierce defender of our nation.” he told Nine Radio.
Former RSL president and Army veteran James Brown said Senator Molan was a “great patriot”.
“A deep thinker, an unstoppable force and a good friend – he will be missed.”
His replacement in the Senate is likely to be delayed by the New South Wales state election in March, as it requires the selection of a candidate by the Liberal Party and the endorsement of a joint session of state parliament.