My name is Alan White, and my journey into men’s health advocacy began in 2008. It was shaped by a professional background in natural therapies and nutrition, and more profoundly, by my own lived experience.

In 2011, I was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer after 10 years of active surveillance and robotic surgery. Once the catheter was removed, I developed incontinence, an often-overlooked consequence that has reshaped how I viewed health, dignity, and accessed public spaces.

These personal challenges became a powerful motivator, fuelling my commitment to improve outcomes for men facing similar health issues. For over a decade, I have dedicated myself to providing guidance, and practical support to men navigating life after prostate cancer and those living with incontinence, while also encouraging men everywhere to prioritise early detection and regular health screenings.

I have proudly served as a Men’s Health Ambassador for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and now for Continence Health Australia’s BINS4Blokes initiative, two organisations that are reshaping the conversation around men’s health and wellbeing.

 

Shining a light during World Continence Week

As we mark World Continence Week (June 16–22), it is more important than ever to raise awareness of the widespread impact of bladder and bowel control issues, conditions that affect millions of Australians. Whether caused by prostate cancer treatment, ageing, injury, or other medical conditions, these challenges can severely affect a person’s daily life, confidence, and participation in their community.

In 2024, there were 26,368 Australian men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Many will go on to experience incontinence after treatment, contributing to the 2.4 million Australian boys and men currently living with this condition. Despite these numbers, male incontinence remains invisible, under-recognised, and under-supported.

 

My lightbulb moment

Living with incontinence was a profound and humbling experience. It affected every part of my life including my ability to work, participate in social activities, but I was not going to let it prevent me from leaving the house. I found myself constantly planning outings around a single question ’Where can I dispose of my used continence products? ‘Too often, the answer was nowhere. Electric hand driers in public toilets have commonly replaced the need for bins and paper hand towels.

One event changed everything: just four weeks after surgery, I attended the Avalon Air Show, and when I couldn’t find a disposal bin in the men’s restroom, I was forced to walk out of the cubicle holding a soaked continence pull-up in my hand, an experience that was deeply embarrassing, confronting, and ultimately, a powerful turning point in my journey.

That was my lightbulb moment. It opened my eyes to the everyday barriers men with incontinence face and the silence that surrounds this issue. I realised something had to change, not just for me, but for the millions of men silently living with this condition.

 

Why BINS4Blokes matters.

That is why I am so enthusiastic about BINS4Blokes, a national initiative from Continence Health Australia encouraging the installation of disposal bins for incontinence products in male public toilet cubicles. It is a simple, practical solution with a powerful impact.

A bin in each male public toilets mean dignity, confidence, and peace of mind. It allows men to get active, without fear, shame, or restriction. It is a small step toward making our public spaces more inclusive for everyone.

 

How can others help?

I would like to see all councils take the initiative to become BINS4Blokes supporters by installing continence product disposal bins inside every male toilet cubicle. This would provide a discreet and dignified option for men to dispose of continence aids, rather than having to use general waste bins in public areas.

This initiative should also extend to shopping centres, RSLs, bowls clubs, sporting arenas, hotels, pubs, airports, and transportation hubs and stations any public venue where people gather or visit.

Each cubicle with a continence bin should also have clear signage on the outside of the door, showing that a disposal bin is available inside.

 

Community involvement: One bin at a time

Community groups like Men’s Sheds can play a powerful role in raising awareness about prostate cancer, the importance of early detection and screening, and reaching out to your local councils to identify the need for for proper disposal facilities in all male and unisex public toilets.

To help you to get more bins in your local area, a practical tip sheet is available to help you approach your local council and advocate for bins to be installed: https://bins4blokes.org.au/incontinence-bin-provider-directory/

Supporting someone with prostate cancer?
You’re not alone. Find a local Prostate Cancer Support Group near you.