PROSTATE CANCER FAST FACTS 2019
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Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand National Office PO Box 301313 Albany, Auckland 0752, New Zealand P 09 415 2405 Freephone 0800 4 PROSTATE (0800 477 678) E info@prostate.org.nz W www.prosate.org.nz Registered NZ Charity No CC30635 |
BLUE SEPTEMBER 2019
PROSTATE CANCER FAST FACTS - WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NEW ZEALAND?
- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Kiwi men and the third highest cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer and bowel cancer
- 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime
- 10 men are diagnosed every day
- Over 3000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year – that’s on par with breast cancer diagnosis levels
o Over 600 Kiwi men die from prostate cancer each year, that’s 1 or 2 men every day
- An estimated 41,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer are living in New Zealand
- Maori men are 72 per cent more likely to die of prostate cancer once they are diagnosed than non-Maori men
- 61% of prostate cancer survivors surveyed said they had no symptoms when diagnosed
- Prostate cancer is a family issue – if a man has two or more first-degree relatives who were diagnosed with prostate cancer under the age of 65 years, then his risk increases by 5–11 times
IMPACT:
- Between 10%-20% of men with prostate cancer progress to advanced/metastatic prostate cancer within 3-5 years
- The effects of having prostate cancer can be devastating on relationships, finances and careers, affecting not just families, but friendships, workplaces and wider communities
- Often those treated are left with unwelcome outcomes of incontinence and erectile dysfunction
About the testing process:
- Early detection saves lives – it’s as simple as that. Prostate cancer is very treatable when diagnosed early
- A PSA blood test is all it takes to start the process – simple and quick
- If you’re between 50-70 then consider an annual prostate check that includes both a PSA blood test and a digital rectal examination (DRE)
- Men over the age of 40 are strongly recommended to have regular prostate checks if there is a family history of prostate cancer
- Following preliminary blood or DRE tests, if there is an abnormality in results, a biopsy will be taken to make a diagnosis. Additionally, there are bone scans, MRI scans and PET/CT scans which determine treatment options
For more information:
www.bluesptember.org.nz
www.prostate.org.nz
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