Blue September is the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand’s (PCFNZ) biggest awareness month – and this year it carries special meaning for us at Ormiston, with PCFNZ as our official charity partner. Together, we’re working to raise awareness, support education, and encourage men to take charge of their health.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed internal cancer in New Zealand men, with 1 in 8 being diagnosed in their lifetime. Right now, more than 42,000 New Zealand men are living with prostate cancer, and sadly around 750 die from the disease every year. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, behind lung cancer.
What is prostate cancer?
The human body is made up of billions of cells. Sometimes, cells reproduce in an uncontrolled way and form a lump, or tumour. Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the prostate, a small gland located just below the bladder. These cells can multiply and, in some cases, spread beyond the prostate to other parts of the body.
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes prostate cancer, but they do know that male hormones – particularly testosterone – stimulate its growth. The rate at which it develops can vary widely: in some men it progresses slowly, while in others it can be more aggressive.
Anyone with a prostate can develop prostate cancer, including transgender women, male-assigned non-binary people and intersex people. Risk increases with age, and having a father or brother with prostate cancer, or carrying BRCA1/BRCA2 genes, can also raise the risk.
Prostate cancer in New Zealand
Every year, more than 4,000 New Zealand men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. While Māori men have a slightly lower incidence, they experience higher death rates, often due to later diagnosis or differences in treatment. Encouragingly, overall survival rates are improving thanks to earlier detection and better treatment options. Around 95% of men survive at least five years after diagnosis, especially when the cancer is found early.
Types of prostate cancer
- Localised – cancer confined to the prostate gland.
- Locally advanced – cancer has spread to tissues near the prostate or pelvic lymph nodes.
- Advanced (metastatic) – cancer has spread further, often to bones, lymph nodes, or other organs.
Not all prostate problems mean cancer. Two benign conditions – Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) (enlarged prostate) and prostatitis (infection of the prostate) – can cause similar symptoms. That’s why seeing a GP is essential to determine the cause.
Symptoms to watch for
Prostate cancer can develop silently for years. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Frequent or sudden need to urinate, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Discomfort or pain when urinating
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
- Bone pain
- Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but they should never be ignored. A yearly GP check is the best way to detect problems early.
Treatment and innovation at Ormiston
Treatment options for prostate cancer depend on the stage and type of cancer. For some men, surgery to remove the prostate, called a prostatectomy, is recommended.
At Ormiston Hospital, prostatectomies can be performed using the Da Vinci robotic surgical system, as well as through other surgical approaches depending on the patient’s needs. Robotic-assisted surgery offers surgeons enhanced precision and can mean smaller incisions and quicker recovery for patients. For men facing prostate cancer, it means advanced surgical options are available right here in our community.
👉 You can learn more about our urology specialists here.
💙 This Blue September, with PCFNZ as our charity partner, we encourage all men (and anyone with a prostate) to prioritise their health. Book a check-up with your GP and start the conversation. Early detection saves lives.
