The 66-year-old will meet with specialists this week to discuss treatment options after a cancerous growth was found on his right kidney - and lesions on his ribs.

It's tough to hear the C word, but Mr Brook is pretty tough too - he has to be, he says, for his family. And for the many other families who have to deal with a cancer diagnosis.

That's why he - and eldest daughter Nadine Tickner - joined the committee for Shellharbour's Relay for Life. And why they'll work hard to make the 2020 event the biggest and best yet.

"Unfortunately cancer has no limits - it touches every family sooner or later," Mr Brook said. "I lost my younger brother and my mum to lung cancer; my daughter Nadine has lost both her in-laws to cancer in recent years.

"I had my prostrate removed in 2009, and now there's a cancerous growth on my right kidney and doctors are worried about lesions on my ribs.

"But you've got to keep positive - you can't chuck in the towel. All I can do is help raise awareness and funds that will assist others battling cancer, and their families.

"Hopefully those funds will also lead to better treatments, and one day a cure."

Ms Tickner said she felt it was important for her - and her children Tegan and Levi - to volunteer their time to support Cancer Council NSW through Relay.

"My kids lost two grandparents to cancer in the last five years, and now their other grandfather is facing another battle," she said.

"So I feel like it's good to give back to those services that support families like ours by volunteering. And the event itself just has such an amazing atmosphere so it's great to be involved."

This year's 24-hour Shellharbour Relay will be held from 9.30am Saturday, April 4 at Tom Willoughby Oval.

Cancer Council NSW's community relations co-ordinator Sari Boschiero said in the last nine years, the community had raised more than $720,000 at the Shellharbour event.

"This year we are hoping to raise another $60,000 for local Cancer Council initiatives such as affordable accommodation, transport to treatment, cancer prevention programs, advocacy and offer access to free financial, legal and emotional support," she said.

Prior to the event, Cancer Council NSW will host the Hope Ball on March 6, at City Beach, Wollongong, to kick off the fundraising efforts. For details on the Relay event itself, visit cancercouncil.org.au/shellharbourrelay