4 days ago
Channel 10 presenter Barry Du Bois reveals how he beat doctors' grim prediction by 16 years as he opens up about cancer journey
Channel 10 star Barry Du Bois has revealed an early blood test is "one of the reasons" he believes he is still alive, 16 years after he was given a grim health prediction upon being diagnosed with cancer.
The former The Living Room co-host was diagnosed with solitary plasmacytoma in 2010, which is a rare form of blood cancer.
The diagnosis later developed to myeloma, an incurable cancer that develops in plasma cells and attacks bone marrow.
Du Bois was given a heart-wrenching prognosis of just three months to live but more than 15 years on, the 64-year-old beloved TV presenter has continued to defy the odds.
Speaking to Gold 101.7 hosts Brendan Jones and Amanda Keller on Wednesday, Du Bois described his disbelief upon hearing his initial diagnosis.
"It was a real shock. But spoiler alert, I don't have to tell you I'm still here," the expert builder and gardener said.
Du Bois' interview comes ahead of Men's Health Week, which takes place between June 9 and 15 to cast a spotlight on men's health challenges and the importance of raising awareness.
"There's still a stigma, there always will be. The 'alpha male' thing - 'yeah I'll be right, I'll be ok,'" Du Bois said.
The father of two stressed the importance of early detection and getting a blood test if something does not feel right, saying it was "one of the things" that saved him.
"If you're not feeling that well physically, get it checked out. Get that blood test. An early blood test is one of the reasons why I am here 16 years later," Du Bois told the radio show.
"If I hadn't have taken it up, maybe three months later that would have happened, but the early detection is one of the things that saved me.
"Be curious. I always say, think of how you can do things better and be aware of who's around you. If you're unsure about the health of someone else, ask them, especially with mental health."
Du Bois became emotional as he spoke about his twins Arabella and Bennett, who turn 13 years old this week, and that he was extremely grateful to see his kids achieve such a significant milestone.
Keller commended Du Bois for his positive mindset.
"Even in the darkest times for you, you've always said you're the luckiest man alive. Your attitude has played such a big part in your survival," she said.
Du Bois said mindfulness, self-belief and connection form a "big part" of a person's general health.
"People will give up on you, but if you don't give up on yourself, you'll stay here forever," the TV presenter said.
"We're all heading to the same spot, but it's how you live every day."
Du Bois learned his cancer had returned while filming Channel 10's The Living Room, which he co-hosted with Keller, Aussie vet Chris Brown and prominent chef Miguel Maestre.
