Rian Steyn (58) from Mossel Bay, Western Cape, has always been known for his golden touch — a hairstylist whose artistry could make anyone feel beautiful inside and out. But in 2021, Rian’s life took a devastating turn when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer — a journey that would not only test his health and spirit but also ignite a powerful message of love, resilience, and Prostate Cancer Awareness this Movember.
What started as minor discomforts – hip pain and frequent trips to the bathroom – turned out to be symptoms of something far more serious. After receiving initial reassurance from a urologist that the cancer was “under control,” the couple was blindsided just two months later when tests revealed that Rian’s cancer had advanced to stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer, an incurable form of the disease.
“You hear about the five stages of grief,” says Dewald. “But until you live through it, you don’t realize how hard it hits. You grieve the life you had – but then you keep going.”
“It Is What It Is” – A Battle of Body and Spirit
The road since that day has been paved with painful procedures, conflicting medical advice, and endless emotional tolls. A ureteral stent, which doctors later determined was unnecessary, caused Rian unbearable pain for nearly two years. In 2024, he underwent an orchidectomy to help manage his symptoms – a surgery that saved his life but deeply impacted his confidence and sense of self.
“It broke him,” Dewald admits. “Just like a woman feels after a mastectomy, Rian felt less of himself. People even addressed him as ‘Mrs.’ – not realizing the pain behind it.”
Despite these challenges, Rian continues to fight – not just against cancer, but against the stigma that keeps so many men from seeking help. With courage and honesty, he and Dewald have decided to share their journey publicly, to encourage other men to speak up, get checked, and value their health before it’s too late.
Breaking the Silence Around Men’s Health
Prostate cancer affects 1 in 9 men, yet many avoid getting tested out of fear, pride, or stigma. For Dewald, this silence is deadly.
“Being male comes with pressure – to be strong, to never show weakness,” he explains. “Men need to let go of that ego. The few seconds it takes for a prostate exam can save your life.”
Their story is more than one of illness; it’s one of awareness and advocacy. Through their campaign and courage, Rian and Dewald are helping rewrite the narrative around men’s mental and physical health, one conversation at a time.
This Movember, as moustaches sprout in solidarity around the world, Dewald hopes their message reaches other families: “The struggle of living with prostate cancer is far worse than the short discomfort of getting checked.”
Fighting for Dignity – and Hope
Today, Rian has completed six rounds of chemotherapy, and though the treatment has taken a toll, he continues to wake up each day with quiet courage. His greatest wish? To feel “whole” again. Dewald has launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign, aptly named “Rian’s Fight Against Prostate Cancer”, to raise R55,000 for reconstructive surgery that would help restore Rian’s confidence and dignity.
So far, the campaign has raised R16,020 from 17 donors, but there’s still a way to go. For Dewald, this isn’t about vanity – it’s about giving his husband the will to live again.
“People tell us to just be grateful he’s alive,” Dewald says. “But quality of life matters too. This surgery would help Rian face the world again – and himself – with pride.”
Despite his own recent health scare – a stroke in September 2025 – Dewald remains Rian’s rock. Together, they choose love, laughter, and acceptance over despair. “It is what it is,” their doctor once told them. But through their resilience, Rian and Dewald are showing the world that “what it is” can still be beautiful, hopeful, and full of purpose.
A Message for Movember, #ProstateCancerAwarenessMovember
As Movember encourages men to grow moustaches in solidarity, Rian’s story reminds us that awareness is more than a symbol – it’s a call to action. It’s about the courage to speak, to get tested, to support one another, and to live with gratitude and grace.
“Life is precious,” says Dewald. “Don’t take a single moment for granted. You only have one life – take care of it.”
To support Rian, visit his BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/rians-fight-against-prostate-cancer
Your contribution – or even just sharing their story – can help restore dignity, raise awareness, and save lives.
Launch your own crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy
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