Stage 0: Understanding Prostate Health

The prostate is a gland about the size of a walnut. It is situated just below the bladder and surround the neck of the bladder and the top part of the urethra (tube from the bladder that empties the urine). The prostate also contributes to the seminal fluid produced during ejaculation and has an important function in fertility.

When diagnosed, prostate cancer is categorised into risk groups based on how likely it is to grow or spread:

• Low risk (19% of cases): Cancer that is least likely to grow or spread
• Intermediate risk (44% of cases): Mid-range likelihood of growing or spreading
• High risk (26% of cases): Higher likelihood of growing or spreading
• Regional (8% of cases): Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or surrounding areas
• Metastatic (3% of cases): Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body

Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, with high success rates in early stages.

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, certain lifestyle choices may help reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Know your family history - men with close relatives who have had prostate cancer are at higher risk
• Limit processed foods and red meat consumption
• Stay informed about your health and get regular check-ups

The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that can help detect prostate cancer early.

Consider talking to your doctor about prostate screening if:

• You are over 50 years old
• You have a family history of prostate cancer (consider starting at 40-45)
• You are of African or Caribbean descent (these groups have higher risk)
• You have certain genetic predispositions (discuss with your doctor)

PSA levels are typically measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood. Normal ranges vary by age, but generally:

• Under 4.0 ng/mL is considered normal
• Between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/mL suggests possible prostate concerns
• Over 10.0 ng/mL indicates higher risk of prostate cancer

Remember that PSA levels can be affected by factors other than cancer, so discuss results with your healthcare provider.

Additional resources for learning about prostate health in New Zealand:

• Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand
• Cancer Society of New Zealand
• Ministry of Health Guidelines
• Health Navigator NZ

If you have questions about prostate health, consult with your general practitioner or healthcare provider.

Cultural Context and Risk Factors

Māori men face higher rates of prostate cancer mortality compared to non-Māori men in New Zealand. Research shows that while incidence rates are similar, Māori men are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage when the disease is more difficult to treat.

Key Facts for Māori Men

• Māori men are 70% more likely to die from prostate cancer after diagnosis compared to non-Māori men
• Access to screening services can be challenging for those in rural communities
• Early detection significantly improves outcomes for all men, including Māori
• Family history (whakapapa) is an important risk factor to consider

Cultural Approaches to Health

Te Whare Tapa Whā is a Māori health model that views health as a balance of four dimensions:

• Taha tinana (physical health) - Regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices
• Taha wairua (spiritual health) - Connection to identity and spiritual wellbeing
• Taha whānau (family health) - Support from and obligations to whānau
• Taha hinengaro (mental health) - Expressing thoughts and feelings about health concerns

This holistic approach can be integrated with Western medical care for better outcomes.

Māori-Focused Health Services

Several organisations offer culturally responsive services for Māori men:

• Te Aka Whai Ora (Māori Health Authority) - Oversees Māori health services nationwide
• Te Aho o Te Kahu Cancer Control Agency - Māori cancer pathway resources
• Cancer Society of New Zealand - Māori cancer support services
• Local Māori health providers (Hauora) - Many offer navigation services for cancer screening

"Mā te kōrero ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka mārama, mā te mārama ka ora."
Through discussion comes knowledge, through knowledge comes understanding, through understanding comes wellbeing.

Discussing prostate health with your whānau and healthcare provider is an important step in prevention. Many Māori men find it helpful to bring a support person to appointments.