The Blue September campaign is once again calling on New Zealanders to take action against prostate cancer, highlighting the urgent need for early detection and regular testing—especially among Māori men.
Each year, more than 4,000 men in Aotearoa are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and over 700 die from the disease.
Māori men have the highest death rate amongst all ethnicities in Aotearoa.
Vivian Hahipene, a prostate cancer survivor, board member, and kaumatua at the Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand, says Māori men should never feel that they are alone or ashamed; being proactive saves lives.
“Look, go out and get tested regularly. If you do get a diagnosis of cancer, there is a lot of support out there. Get to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. If you get it early, remember you can get cured,” says Hahipene.
Hahipene says Māori organisations and iwi clinics play a vital role in raising awareness and making prostate cancer a topic of everyday conversation.
