Much-loved R U OK? Ambassador Barry Du Bois opens up about his cancer battle

In 2010, R U OK? Ambassador, Board Member and host of Channel10’s The Living Room, Barry Du Bois learned that he had plasmacytoma myeloma, a cancer of the immune system which attacks healthy bone marrow. He publicly shared the story of his cancer battle. Following an operation, and radiotherapy, Barry received the good news that the cancer was under management, but still in his body, and he was regularly monitored.

Last Friday, Barry shared with The Living Room viewers his latest news - that his last blood result showed that his cancer had returned, relatively aggressively.

Barry has used his announcement to emphasise the importance of social support for those living with cancer, saying:

“I am lucky to be going into this battle with the love and support of so many people. I know how much they care for me. I am also very aware of how much my wife, and my friends and family need their own support through this time. As an ambassador for R U OK? I’m passionate about their ethos, which encourages meaningful conversations, in everyday life.”

Barry also shared his advice for friends, family and loved ones supporting someone through an illness, saying:

“If you are supporting someone be it a physical or mental health situation, I would encourage you also to seek some help, and to talk to those around you. Asking, Listening, Encouraging action and Checking in are the 4 steps to helping someone you care about navigate a tough time in their life. At times like this we need to be vigilant and keep checking in with each other. If we feel a conversation has become too big and you need extra support, R U OK? has a help seeking page you should refer to. Go to www.ruok.org.au/findhelp ”

R U OK? CEO Brendan Maher has joined Barry’s call to support those facing the diagnosis and their loved ones, saying:

“Barry Du Bois has been a tireless advocate for R U OK?, championing stronger support for those who are struggling with life. As Barry faces this battle he has the care and support of those around him, and the entire R U OK? team. We join his call and encourage everyone to be present, available, supportive and non-judgemental of those facing similar battles.”

Each year in Australia around 1700 people are diagnosed with myeloma - the equivalent of four people every day. If you or a loved one are affected by cancer you can find information, resources and advice at cancer.org.au

If you’re supporting a loved one with cancer this booklet might help.