Be smart and get yourself checked this Blue September

Blue September, a nationwide prostate awareness campaign, launched this month encouraging men to ‘get blue’ and face up to a cancer that affects 2,500 and kills 600 men annually in New Zealand.

“These figures are alarming because they are higher than the road toll,” says Keith Beck, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand. He says the frustrating thing is that nearly half of these lives might have been saved through early detection. “Because symptoms of the disease do not usually show until further down the track most men don’t know they have it. Many of these deaths could be prevented if all men over 40 visited their doctor more regularly and had an annual Prostate Specific-Antigen (PSA) test.”

The 21 health practices throughout the Hutt Valley, who together form the Valley Primary Health Organisation (PHO), are onboard this Blue September. They’re raising prostate cancer awareness by educating patients about the importance of getting regular health checks and encouraging families to support their men in talking about their health.

Getting regular checkups, keeping well, eating a healthy diet, leading an active lifestyle are some of the key messages being shared this September with everyone who walks through the doors of a Valley PHO medical centre.

“It’s about everyone working together and doing our bit to encourage our men to get regular checks and have the courage to talk to a doctor or nurse. One death from prostate cancer is still one too many” Candice Apelu, Health promoter at Valley PHO explains.

Council is also playing its part in highlighting prostate cancer as an important issue impacting on men’s wellbeing. On 1 September, the Council flicked the switch on new lights installed in Upper Hutt’s Main Street which saw the street go blue in support of Blue September. As part of the CBD Upgrade Programme, the Council installed new street lights in Main Street. Blue feature spots installed at the top of each pole, vibrantly illuminate the street below. Flicking the switch on the new lights for the first time on 1 September was timed to support the Blue September campaign and also marked the completion of the Council’s CBD upgrade programme. “It’s appropriate that Council provides a visual reminder for Upper Hutt men that prostate cancer is a major concern and that getting themselves checked out is important - the sooner the better.” says Andrea Curtis, Director of Community Services.

In September, landmarks all over the country will be lit blue in support of the campaign. A number of high profile New Zealanders are also supporting the campaign including All Black legend Buck Shelford, former Tall Black Brendon Pongia, author and broadcaster Kerre Woodham, Shortland Street star, Ido Drent, Sir Peter Leitch (The Mad Butcher), MasterChef New Zealand winner Brett McGregor, New Zealand Rugby League player Ruben Wiki and All White Leo Bertos.

For further information on Blue September, visit www.blueseptember.org

ENDS

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