Prostate Cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men. And one in five men that are diagnosed with prostate cancer will die from it. This month is labelled Blue September, a time to spread awareness of prostate cancer an initiative driven by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand. Ormiston Hospital’s team of specialists regularly treat and diagnose prostate cancer. Part of this team is expert Urologist Dr Andrew Williams, who has long been an advocate for kiwi men warning them not to leave it too late.

Dr Williams is a private Urologist providing care to East and South Auckland communities. A highly experienced surgeon Dr William’s spent time in Canada attaining subspecialty qualification from the Society of Urological Oncology, where he treated high volumes of complex cancer surgeries. Dr Williams is accepting patient referrals at Ormiston Specialist Centre where in a private consultation with Dr Williams patients can discuss concerns and assess any symptoms.

Early detection usually takes place through a test, which can be arranged by a GP, these include PSA (blood test), DRE (exam), and PCA-3 (urine test). From here if there are any warning signs a referral will be made to a Urologist by the GP. Alternatively, any male can book in to see Dr Williams directly without a referral.

Early detection of prostate cancer (PCa) is important Regular prostate checks are important for men who:

• Are over the age of 40 if there is a family history of prostate cancer;
• Are older than 50, but younger than 70.

As an experienced surgeon Dr Andrew Williams performs radical prostatectomy at Ormstion Hospital, a treatement that can be done open, laparoscopically or robotically. In this procedure Dr Williams is able to remove the prostate gland and tissues surrounding it – this usually cures prostate cancer in men whose cancer is limited to just the prostate. This type of procedure is very safe. Side affects have shown to be mainly positive.

Before it gets to the stage, it is important to look out for warning symptoms. There can sometimes be no signs however, it usually starts with trouble passing urine. If any of the following occur it is recommended to let your GP know immediately:

• Unusual trouble getting the flow of urine started or stopping (dribbling)
• Weak stream of urine (starts and stops)
• Needing urgently to pass urine and increased need to (and not much comes out)
• Getting up at night to pass urine more than once
• Feeling a need to pass more urine, even though none comes out
• Pain and/or burning when passing urine; this may be a sign of infection

Surgery is performed at Ormiston Hospital and can involve a two to three-night stay, where patients can recover in comfort and privacy. Offering a tailored patient menu with wholesome and delicious food, as well as SkyTV and WiFi a lot of our patients describe their stay like “staying in a 5-star hotel.” Ormiston staff are highly trained in the recovery process of all procedures and can provide the right type of support to patients, including an onsite physiotherapist. Ormiston is a highly confidential and private environment, many of our patients don’t tell anyone what they are having done.

To make a booking with Dr Williams please call Ormiston Specialist Centre on: (09) 271 3305