Developing a better understanding and providing further insight to Prostate Cancer was the focus of an event hosted by Raukura Hauora o Tainui.
Around 20 men converged at the gathering and were treated to massages, entertainment, prizes and new friendships while promoting the slogan, "Don't fear the finger, Man up! and get checked for Prostate Cancer.”
Brad Totorewa of Raukura Hauora o Tainui says, “Tonight's about pampering our men, they come here they have a massage, we share a meal, so they get spoilt, however it's also about informing them about this illness and how it can be detected and how to deal with it.”
The Chief Executive of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of NZ says the statistics of men dying from this illness are alarming, however awareness is the key.
Graeme Woodside says, “It's not aligned to Pākeha o Māori or Pasifika we all get it in about the same numbers, but it's important to understand that about 1 in 10 men will get Prostate Cancer, so it is number 1 cancer for NZ men.”
"There are three tests involved. A pill will expose a certain colouration of the urine, there's the digital rectal examination and a biopsy," Totorewa said.
For the group of men who answered the call, they weren't just bombarded with information, there was a bit of fun to be had also, despite the seriousness of this issue.
Totorewa says, “Some symptoms include, a weak urine flow, blood in the urine, constantly wanting to pee, waking up at night constantly wanting to pee, these are some signs which show someones at risk.”
Despite this being a men's illness, it's also up to our women to encourage the men in their lives to go and get checked for this killer disease.