A total of 4000 men in New Zealand will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, making it the most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men – it’s not just an old man’s disease.
Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ president Danny Bedingfield will never forget having to call his mother and tell her that her son has the exact same cancer that killed her husband, it was trying to rip his family apart all over again.
“I watched my dad die of prostate cancer, then I got it myself, diagnosed at 37. He didn’t talk about his diagnosis much, tried to carry on like he was okay, but underneath, he was pretty down and depressed. Sometimes we all need to “let it all out” so saying something blue to help a mate through can be good for everyone.”
Beddingfield urges Kiwis to support Blue September through hosting Blue Dos, donating, or setting up a swear jar for fundraising at offices, sports clubs, or with friends.
“We’ve got a strong army of supporters who hold Blue Dos around the country but this year we decided to add the virtual swear jar and the text donations as extra ways to raise much needed funds,” he said.
No idea is too wacky, big or small for a Blue Do event.
Whether it’s a chat around the barbecue or having a yarn while walking the dogs, Beddingfield said a major goal of Blue September is to get men to talk about prostate cancer.
“We have come a long way, but the truth is all men over 50 need to chat to their doctor about prostate cancer as well as insist on a programme of PSA testing appropriate to them, this is even more important if they have a family history of prostate cancer, in which case they need to do it much earlier.
“The thousands of men living with prostate cancer in New Zealand are not just a statistic, they are our dads, sons, granddads, and best mates who do not deserve to have the opportunity to share in the lives of their families and those around them taken away far too soon, when an achievable alternative exists.
“The social impact of this disease is immeasurable and we’re in danger of losing a generation of men to prostate cancer. We’re indebted to the people that take part in a Blue Do on our behalf – thank you, no idea is too small, too wacky, or too blue.”
- SunLive