Dr Bryan Betty: Blue September and Prostate Cancer

Its Blue September – New Zealand’s Prostate Cancer Awareness month. We’ve talked about it in the past, however it’s good to remind all the men out there of the importance of the prostate.       Why is Blue September important?   It’s a campaign promoting awareness around prostate cancer.   Raises money for Prostate Cancer Foundation.  Its key focus is to make you think about prostate cancer and talk about it with your GP.   Some key reasons to think about prostate cancer:   4000 men are diagnosed per year – it's the most common cancer for men in New Zealand.  1 in 8 men will develop it over a lifetime.   More than 600 men die from prostate cancer each year.   Early detection often means early treatment.   Most cases occur to those over the age of 60.       What does the prostate do and what do we need to look out for?   The prostate is the size of a walnut and sits at the outlet to the bladder.   It produces fluid for sperm.   Naturally increases in size as get older, which is normal. However, cancer can sometimes develop inside the prostate.   If it enlarges, the prostate can block the entrance to bladder casing, which can result in:  Passing urine a lot.   Getting up at night to pass urine.   Feeling the sudden need to go to the toilet.   A weak urine stream   Any symptoms or change in passing urine, you need to see your GP for check-up.   It often involves a prostate blood test (PSA), sometimes a rectal exam, and maybe a urine check.   High PSA can indicate the need for further tests to exclude prostate cancer.       Should we get a regular prostate check if we have no symptoms?   From the age of 50 it is something you should discuss with your GP.   There is no national screening program so it is an individual decision – many men will choose to have a blood test from the age of 50.   Presently there is no firm evidence that a national screening program saves lives.   However, a big study is happening in Europe to see if it should be done.   Many doctors do recommend check-ups from the age of 50.   If you are concerned or reached the age of 50, please discuss a prostate check with your GP.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.