 Blue September - Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
If you are a man in your 40s, 50s or 60s, you should have regular prostate checks with your doctor. An annual health check, including a PSA blood test, could mean the difference between a life led free of prostate cancer or ongoing cancer treatments and potentially a premature death.
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in New Zealand, with over 4,000 cases diagnosed every year. It is the second highest cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer, and the third highest for all sexes (behind lung and bowel cancers). More than 700 men die on average every year from prostate cancer. One in eight men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Prostate cancer can develop quietly. It might not cause any symptoms as it develops, only making itself apparent once it has already progressed to a serious stage. If detected early, curative treatment is possible. However, if prostate cancer is discovered once advanced, and has already spread outside the prostate, then it can become a serious threat to a man’s length and quality of life. Once prostate cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, then treatment options are significantly reduced and it can become terminal.
Contrary to popular belief, for the majority of men the check for signs of prostate cancer is a simple blood test, sometimes accompanied by a physical examination. The blood test identifies the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) produced by the prostate. An elevated PSA need not necessarily indicate prostate cancer, but provides an alert for further investigation.
It is therefore essential that men in their 40s, 50s and 60s are proactive in seeing their doctor for an annual visit, including a check for signs of prostate cancer. We take our cars in for an annual WOF to keep us safe and our vehicle running well. If you are a man in your 40s, 50s or 60s, and particularly if you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should take the same approach to yourself: be proactive and have an annual prostate health check with your doctor.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ provides vital services, funds research, raises awareness and speaks up for all those affected. Visit prostate.org.nz or call 0800 66 0800 for more information.
This article was prepared by the Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ and the Calvin Chua Philanthropic Trust
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