Prostate cancer is having an alarming impact on the male population as figures released today by the Prostate Cancer Foundation confirm one man is diagnosed every three hours and one or more are dying every day.
The research has also found that risk increases up to 11 times if two or more first-degree relatives were diagnosed with prostate cancer under the age of 65 years.
“It’s an awful reality check to discover just how many men are affected in New Zealand and for most people there will be at least one man in their circle who will develop prostate cancer at some point,” says Prostate Cancer Foundation CEO Graeme Woodside.
“This year we’ve harnessed the insights from independent nationwide research of Kiwi men, coupled with asking prostate cancer survivors about their experiences, to really help us understand what needs to be done to get more men tested earlier.”
The study showed that while most men are aware of the common symptoms of prostate cancer (problems urinating, being aged over 50 and blood in urine) only 16% of Kiwi men were aware that often there are no symptoms. Even more alarming, nearly half of all survivors said they were presenting no symptoms when they were first diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“So why are so many men dying needlessly when a quick trip to the doctor each year can intercept and treat this dreadful type of cancer in its early stages?”
Early detection saves lives.
Prostate cancer can be treated effectively when it is caught early and before it spreads outside the prostate gland.
Blue September – Have a ‘Blue Do’!
From funding groundbreaking research to hosting support groups nationwide, every dollar counts this Blue September.
Create your own social fundraising event – a golf day, blokes BBQ, girls’ night out, dress up day at the office or anything you like that brings people together.
Go to www.blueseptember.org.nz to find out how to put on your own ‘Blue Do’ and donate to join the fight against prostate cancer.
