Message in briefs delivered in full

Mark Dawson, Editor of Wanganui Chronicle

You've got to hand it to the gutsy Wanganui rugby players who stripped off to their new blue briefs to send out the message that men need to get prostate checks.

They featured prominently in yesterday's Chronicle and no doubt there was a bit of embarrassment about their new roles as male models.

And it's highly likely there will be plenty of dressing-room ribbing from teammates to add to their blushes.

But they can take pride from baring almost all for the camera. As well as promoting the undies - the sale of which will raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation - they helped raise awareness about a crucial aspect of that most-neglected topic, men's health.

The facts are alarming - prostate cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand men and the third most common cause of death, and more than 3000 Kiwi men are diagnosed with it each year. The statistics say we have a one in 10 chance of developing prostate cancer.

So the message of the Blue September campaign is simple - go see your doctor, guys, and get checked out. Early detection saves lives.

Of course, we men often don't take our health too seriously - or perhaps it is that we take it for granted.

Going to the doctor is not high up the male priority list. There is the theory that if you go to the doc, he'll probably find something wrong with you (maybe something you'd rather not know about), so stay away and, as far as you know, you're in good health.

If only it was that simple and easy.

So good on the Wanganui rugger boys ... it's just a shame that doing their bit for a worthy cause didn't produce any dividend at Cooks Gardens on Saturday afternoon when they were left badly exposed by Horowhenua-Kapiti.