September is Blue September in New Zealand - a time dedicated to raising awareness about men's health, particularly prostate cancer. Yet despite being the most common cancer affecting Kiwi men, prostate cancer remains shrouded in silence and misconceptions.
One in eight New Zealand men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Even more concerning is that many men avoid discussing prostate health with their doctor until symptoms appear - but by then, the cancer may have already progressed significantly.
The challenge with prostate cancer is that early stages often produce no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they might include difficulty starting urination, weak urine flow, frequent urination (especially at night), or blood in urine or semen. However, these symptoms can also indicate benign prostate conditions, which is why proper screening is essential.
Radio host Sam Wallace knows firsthand how crucial early screening can be. His father Barry was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer after experiencing trouble passing urine and undergoing routine screening tests. Thanks to that early detection and treatment, Barry is now in remission.
Wallace himself has since been proactive about his own screening, sharing his experience to encourage other men. "It's a non-event," he says of the screening process. "You go in there and it takes you by surprise, but really it's no more annoying than getting your haircut, but you have your pants down."
The good news is that when caught early, prostate cancer has excellent treatment outcomes. This is why screening discussions become crucial for men over 50, or from age 45 if you have a family history of prostate cancer or are of Māori or Pacific ethnicity, as these groups face higher risks.
Screening typically involves a simple blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and potentially a digital rectal examination. I understand these conversations can feel uncomfortable, but your GP has these discussions regularly and wants to help protect your long-term health.
Don't let embarrassment cost you your life. If you're a man over 45, or if you have any concerns about urinary symptoms, book an appointment to discuss prostate screening. As Sam Wallace's family story shows us, early detection saves lives - and there's nothing more important than that.
Watch Sam Wallace's screening experience here: https://youtu.be/GPnU1caZQvI