National Conference –“Prostate Partners – Working Together”

MEDIA RELEASE

National Conference –“Prostate Partners – Working Together”

Sunday 27 July, Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, Wellington

The Prostate Cancer Foundation is pleased to announce this year’s National Conference will be held in Wellington and a number of significant speakers are involved, including Minister of Health, Hon Tony Ryall.

Mr Ryall has been responsible for significant developments in policy relating to prostate cancer in New Zealand, firstly with the Health Select Committee, followed by the Prostate Cancer Taskforce, and currently the Prostate Cancer Working Group. This organisation applauds these initiatives and is looking forward to his conference speech about this policy. We will also be taking this opportunity to formally express our appreciation for his work in the area of prostate cancer as Mr Ryall is retiring from politics at the next election.

The Chair of both the Prostate Cancer Taskforce, and the Prostate Cancer Working Group, Professor John Nacey, will also be speaking about the progress being made in the development of prostate cancer policy and guidelines.

Several leading clinicians will be presenting on some of the latest diagnosis and treatment practices and also on current research topics. A full programme is attached that sets out the details of the speakers and the topics.

One significant innovation being launched at this conference is the introduction of blue ribbons as the new symbol associated with prostate cancer in New Zealand. The blue ribbons will then be introduced to the public as a key element of this year’s Blue September Campaign. “Everyone knows about pink ribbons,” says Graeme Woodside, Chief Executive of the Foundation, ”so now it is time for a counterpoint blue ribbon to recognise the No 1 cancer in men in New Zealand. Our goal is to have blue ribbons become as recognisable as pink ribbons within the next two to three years.”

Media are invited to attend and report on this conference and speakers will be available for interview.

About prostate cancer in New Zealand:

• In New Zealand, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and the third most common cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer and bowel cancer.

• Approximately 3,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year.

• Approximately 2,500 (one in 13) men will develop prostate cancer before the age of 75.

• Approximately 600 men die from metastatic prostate cancer each year, a similar number to women who die from breast cancer.

• Mãori men are 72 per cent more likely to die of prostate cancer once diagnosed than non-Mãori men.

• Between 10 and 20% of men with prostate cancer progress to advanced (metastatic) prostate cancer within 5 years of diagnosis.4

Ends

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