Campaign
Health Health
Men over 40 urged to ask doctors for a prostate blood test tick
About 4,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in New Zealand, the Prostate Cancer Foundation says.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand is urging men over 40 to ask their doctor to tick the PSA box on a blood test form.
The foundation says prostate cancer is the most commonly-diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men. About 4,500 men are diagnosed each year, and about one in eight will develop it in their lifetime.
“It’s a win-win for men,” said Peter Dickens, Chief Executive of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand.
“The best thing we can do as men is look after ourselves, look after our mates, and take ownership of our health,” said Sir Steve Hansen, who is supporting the campaign.
The nationwide campaign is called “Just a Tick”. It asks men to request a tick in the right box on a standard blood test form.
Hansen and Te Radar star together in a new ad for the campaign. Their message is for men over 40: take charge of your health and ask your doctor to tick the box for a prostate PSA blood test.
“It’s a small thing that could mean a lot more birthdays, barbecues and time with your family,” said Te Radar.
What the blood test shows
The foundation says a prostate blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. A raised level can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it only points to something that may need a closer look.
The test cannot diagnose cancer on its own. It can help a doctor decide whether more investigation is needed.
If it is, specialist urologists can take the next diagnostic steps. They work out whether monitoring, further investigation or treatment may be required.
Why now
The foundation recommends that men in their forties or older who feel fit and well use this time to be proactive. It says that is better than waiting until something goes wrong.
It also suggests using an annual health check to talk with a doctor about things worth watching as people get older. The foundation says prostate health should be part of that conversation.
How to find out more
The campaign runs for six weeks across digital media, including social media. The foundation points readers to justatick.co.nz for more information about prostate health and the campaign.