Prostate Cancer? Who cares? They’re Only Men
According to Radio NZ Dunedin patients are waiting for many months, some well over a year, simply to get a biopsy after being referred by GPs for unpleasant symptoms and blood tests indicative of prostate cancer. Then when such cancer is diagnosed they are waiting for many more months to get treatment. Similar problems are faced by those needing heart surgery.
Of course, it’s purely coincidental that the conditions mainly affected are suffered primarily by men, and that services for women’s needs are not underfunded. As it is coincidental that the commissioner installed by government to replace the elected Health Board and who has overseen this particular division of resources leaving male services short, just happens to be a woman.
Otago DHB appears to have numerous problems. In February I had a check up because I was experiencing urine retention and other issues. Six weeks later I spent 8 days in Hastings Hospital having bladder drained and a TURP procedure. Biopsy from that suggested cancer but after two Zoladex injections my PSA score is very low so I’ve probably got more chance of being killed on the highway than dying of cancer. Guys over 40 should get checked for potential prostate issues. Those in Dunedin should email the Labour Health Spokesperson since 23/09 ain’t far away.
Comment by JONO — Thu 17th August 2017 @ 1:31 pm
RNZ article on the rate of diagnosis
Comment by Boonie — Fri 1st September 2017 @ 2:13 pm
#2 Boonie. I just emailed the Prostate Cancer Foundation and asked how the figure of “one a day” was extrapolated considering there are over 600 prostate cancer deaths a year in NZ.
Comment by golfa — Fri 1st September 2017 @ 2:42 pm
Thanks Golfa, I’m not like, very good at maths.
Comment by Boonie — Fri 1st September 2017 @ 2:56 pm
BBC areticle on Prostate cancer.
The increasing prevalence of late diagnosis of stage 4 and 5 cancers.
Comment by Evan Myers — Mon 9th April 2018 @ 11:52 am