Prostate

Do you even know where your prostate is? Or what it does?

Let’s face it – it’s not something we put a lot of thought into... until we have to!

The prostate is a ping pong ball-sized gland near a bloke’s bladder, and forms part of the male reproductive system.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in NZ men. It mainly affects men over 50yrs of age, and kills more than 600 Kiwi blokes every year. That’s a lot of husbands, sons and fathers.

Treatment is most effective if the cancer is found early, but early prostate cancer often has no symptoms. The trick is to know yourself and what is normal, and be quick to check out what is not. For example, if you have problems peeing (e.g. dribbling, going frequently, or having trouble getting started) it may not be prostate cancer, but it just might... so man up, Mister, and go and see your doctor!

Discuss your prostate cancer risk and testing options with your doctor. Don’t be shy – seen one, seen ‘em all and that’s what they are there for.

Key Points:

Hot Tip: Not all prostate problems are caused by cancer – talk to your doctor or health professional and check out the resources below.