Cancer used to be one of the most feared words in the English language, but advances in medicine have allowed patients to beat the disease.

Optimism was apparent on the weekend as federal NDP Leader Jack Layton revealed he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

"There's a lot of different options now," said former Moose Jaw Mayor Dale McBain. Both he and former Mayor Al Schwinghammer battled the disease.

"I got the final treatment finished in September," McBain said.

"I did a follow-up just before Christmas where the cancer doctor said everything was going great and I've actually got it behind me now."

During his treatment, McBain lost a lot of weight and muscle mass but he says he's now back to the gym and feeling great.