PROSTATE CANCER FAST FACTS 2019

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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