PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION ASKS KIWIS TO DO SOMETHING BLUE TO HELP A MATE THROUGH

Ride a blue bike, bake a blue cake, wear a blue cape, row across a lake, go for a run, hit a hole in one!

These are just some of the ways people can join the fight against prostate cancer by supporting Blue September this year.

Today, ten Kiwi men will be told they have prostate cancer. It is the most common cancer in New Zealand men, with more than 3,500 men diagnosed each year.

Given it’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer among NZ men, it’s not uncommon to hear that prostate cancer has affected high-profile rugby players. Wayne Smith has been open about his prostate cancer journey, and in April this year, Crusaders prop Joe Moody dedicated his 100th game to his late father by auctioning off his match jersey to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Joe’s father, Tony, passed away from prostate cancer in 2020.

Blue September is the major annual fundraising and awareness campaign for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand (PCFNZ), during which they aim to raise $1million so they can carry on providing vital support, funding essential research and advocating for patients and their loved ones.

PCFNZ Chief Executive, Peter Dickens says that more than 650 Kiwi men will die from prostate cancer this year.

“That’s 55 mates, fathers, sons, brothers, grandfathers dying each month.

“We receive no government funding so by supporting Blue September, you can help make a tangible difference in people’s lives” says Dickens.

The 2021 Blue September campaign is all about encouraging people to Do Something Blue To Help a Mate Through.

“A Blue Do could be anything from arranging an office morning tea to baking a blue cake or wearing blue on the golf course,” says Dickens.

Over 42,000 men in New Zealand are living with prostate cancer and early detection is key to survival. Most men won’t experience symptoms, so regular check-ups are essential.

Testing for prostate cancer can now be done with a simple blood test, called a PSA test.

“It’s really easy to get a test and have that peace of mind. We encourage men over age 50 to get regular check-ups (age 40 if there’s a family history), and ask their GP for a PSA test,” says Dickens.

Find out more and register your Blue Do at www.blueseptember.org.nz The Prostate Cancer Foundation of NZ will be the game day charity for the NPC game on Saturday 4th September between Bay of Plenty and Waikato at the Tauranga Domain. Each ticket sold will see $5 donated to the cause.