Early diagnosis critical for prostate cancer
IF you are a male, and over 40 or 50, it is time to book in for a prostate cancer test.
That is the message from Ken Cook, who, 12 years ago, was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Mr Cook received successful treatment, and has dedicated his time to raising awareness as a board member of the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
‘‘It was a shock when I found out, but I was able to receive treatment for it and sort it. I’m very fortunate, but not everyone is that fortunate. Many men don’t catch it soon enough.’’
He said when it comes to prostate cancer, early diagnosis is critical to survival, as the disease is very treatable when caught early.
‘‘One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
‘‘One man every three hours in New Zealand is diagnosed, and more than one man each day dies of prostate cancer. That’s about the same number as women who die from breast cancer.’’
Blue September is the foundation’s annual awareness and fundraising campaign.
The group were focused on fundraising, with the money raised going towards providing support, campaigning for greater awareness, and advocating for better diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
A golf tournament held at St Clair Golf Course this month raised $10,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Mr Cook was also the coordinator of the Dunedin prostate cancer support group, which meets every two months.
Of the support groups in New Zealand, the Dunedin group is the largest, with up to 50 men attending some meetings.
Mr Cook said there were many attendees ‘‘maybe because I drag them there. It’s a fantastic way to connect with others who know what you’ve gone through.’’
‘‘Luckily we’re finding there are more men going to the doctor, but Maori and Pacifica men are a group who still are not going to the doctor.’’
Another challenge was finding doctors who were willing to test for prostate cancer in the first place, said Mr Cook.
‘‘Some men have booked in to see two or three doctors, and they’re still not able to get a test done. It’s shocking the number of doctors who don’t believe in testing for it.
‘‘If you haven’t had your prostate specific antigen test yet, book in to get it at the doctor. If one doctor turns you down, try another one. You’d be stupid not to get a test done. ’’
‘‘A little bit of discomfort might save your life.’’