Ride a blue bike, bake a blue cake, wear a blue cape, row across a lake, go for a run, or hit a hole in one.
These are just some of the ways people can join the fight against prostate cancer by supporting Blue September this year.
Today, 10 Kiwi men will be told they have prostate cancer. It is the most common cancer in New Zealand men, with more than 3500 men diagnosed each year – more than the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Blue September is the major annual fundraising and awareness campaign for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand (PCFNZ), during which they aim to raise $1 million so they can carry on providing vital support, funding essential research and advocating for patients and their loved ones.
PCFNZ chief executive Peter Dickens says that more than 650 Kiwi men will die from prostate cancer this year.
“That’s 55 mates, fathers, sons, brothers, grandfathers dying each month,” Dickens said.
“We receive no government funding so by supporting Blue September, you can help make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
“Every dollar raised during Blue September helps to improve the health outcomes of New Zealand men.”
The 2021 Blue September campaign is all about encouraging people to ‘do something blue to help a mate through’
“The options are endless and the sky’s the limit when it comes to doing something blue,” he said.
“It could be anything from arranging an office morning tea to baking a blue cake or wearing blue on the golf course.”
Over 42,000 men in NZ are living with prostate cancer and early detection is key to survival. Most men won’t experience symptoms so regular check-ups are essential.
“Early detection leads to better outcomes so it’s important to get checked and tell your friends and family to get checked too,” he said.
Testing for prostate cancer can now be done with a simple blood test, called a PSA test.
“It’s really easy to get a test and have that peace of mind. We encourage men over age 50 to get regular check-ups (age 40 if there’s a family history) and ask their GP for a PSA test,” he said.
Blue-doers are encouraged to share their “blue do” on social media with the hashtag #DoSomethingBlue to help spread the word. There are also lots of other ways to support Blue September this year, including making a donation, buying sponsored products or Blue September merchandise.
Find out more at www.blueseptember.org.nz
