Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Graeme Woodside said the key message to men was to get checked regularly. Photo / Thinkstock
Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Graeme Woodside said the key message to men was to get checked regularly. Photo / Thinkstock
Blokes told to shelve their embarrassment and get checked regularly for the most common cancer in NZ men.
Talking about your private parts is not exactly regular conversation. But Kiwi men are being urged to make it just that - normal.
About 3000 men in New Zealand are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year; it is the most common kind of cancer in Kiwi men. Of those, about 600 die each year.
The Herald's Men's Health series is in its third week examining health conditions which affect Kiwi men every day.
Type 2 diabetes was the first topic looked at, followed by adrenal fatigue and stress last week. Today's topic is prostate health and what men need to be doing to ensure they are okay.
The prostate gland is one of the major male sex glands and sits just under the bladder and the beginning of the urethra, a tube that runs through the penis. Problems might arise when there is an enlargement of the prostate, infection or cancer.
Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Graeme Woodside said the key message to men was to get checked regularly.
"One of the sayings we have is: 'Don't die of embarrassment'. Don't avoid getting checked by your doctor just because you're embarrassed."
There are two tests men should be having once every year: the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam.
Men aged 50-plus should be making these appointments regularly.
But if there is a family history of cancer, these men should start tests from the age of 40, or possibly even a few years earlier.
"Men generally don't take care of their health. But I have to say that men are getting better - particularly younger men in their 40s," Mr Woodside said.
In the early stages of the disease there are usually no symptoms, which the foundation says makes regular tests even more necessary.
In Maori men, the incidence rate of prostate cancer is less than European men. However, the death rate in Maori men is higher.
Mr Woodside said the suspicion was that the disease was nearly always picked up late in this group of men because they had not been tested regularly.
"Men need to be aware of their own body. If they're having a problem going to the toilet or they feel something's not right, get it checked out."
Cancer epidemiologist research associate Professor Brian Cox, of Otago University, said it was important for men to know there were sometimes downsides to getting the PSA test.
"Fifty per cent of prostate cancer detected by the screening - PSA testing - would never have developed into clinical disease in a man's lifetime," he said. "Unfortunately it's almost impossible to distinguish which would and which wouldn't have. Therefore, a lot of men end up requiring treatment or receiving treatment for prostate cancer who wouldn't have otherwise needed it."
The side effects of treatment include mainly impotence, chronic incontinence of urine and sometimes incontinence of faeces.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ runs about 27 support groups around the country, helping men and families of those diagnosed or going through the late stages of the disease.
It runs information programmes and regularly sends staff members out into the community to talk about the disease and how to prevent it, in community groups, work places and churches.
Planning ahead pays off when Big C hits
Simon Hassan (rear) has talked to his brothers, including John (left) and Nick, about the need for regular tests.
Auckland financial adviser Simon Hassan has devoted most of his life to helping people plan their futures and making sure they were set - financially - if something untoward were to happen.
One day, he thought to do the same when addressing his own health. "My focus with clients is forward looking: Trying to find and, if possible, deal with issues before they become problems.
"When I turned 50, I decided to take the same approach with my health. So I went to the doctor and said I'd like an annual check-up; aimed at finding issues and, if possible, dealing with them before they became problems."
Mr Hassan began having regular tests and it was at one of these check-ups - three years later - that a possible prostate problem turned up.
After several other physical exams and blood tests over a period of 18 months, a biopsy showed a 1.5mm tumour - cancer. "Having heard the Big C word, I was shaken and initially inclined to go for surgery."
But after doing some of his own research and discussing it with his doctors and family, he said yes to brachytherapy. The procedure involved injecting radioactive iodine directly into the prostate gland.
Mr Hassan is now 63 and cancer-free. His experience has led to open discussions with the men in his family - namely his seven brothers and nephews - about prostate cancer and their need to get tests regularly.
He said he regarded himself lucky and called on other men to take a proactive approach when dealing with their health.
"A lot of guys are macho and there's a bit of embarrassment.
• Men aged 50+ should be getting tested every year. Those with a family history of prostate cancer should start testing from at least age 40.
• Symptoms: In the very early stages, there are usually no symptoms, so it is vital for men to get checked at least once a year. However, trouble urinating, blood in the urine or pain are signs you need to see a doctor.
Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ/ Ministry of Health
3 Tips from fitness guru Lee-Anne Wann
Ensure you have some great sources of zinc in your nutrition
Zinc is an extremely important mineral and many of us can be deficient especially if overly stressed, exercising a lot or consuming alcohol. The cells of the prostate actually require a very high level of zinc to function optimally. Some great sources of zinc include grass-fed meats and seafood, in particular oysters, or consider seeing a health professional to add a zinc supplement.
Boost testosterone levels Many studies show men who have low levels of testosterone are also at great risk of prostate cancer. Some great, natural ways to increase testosterone include improving sleep quality and duration. Just one night of short sleep can result in lower testosterone levels.
Eliminate or reduce chemical toxins Many toxins we are exposed to daily can cause total disruption in the body and increase what we call endogenous oestrogen (the kind produced outside the body). Excess estrogen levels can increase prostate cancer risk, so swap things like personal care products such as soap, shaving lotion, body lotion for chemical-free options. Minimise drinking from plastic bottles or heating foods in plastic in the microwave.
