Blue September 2026

One in eight men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Mates, fathers, sons, brothers, grandfathers – if you haven’t been directly affected by prostate cancer, you’re bound to know someone who has.

Early detection can significantly reduce the risk of death. Don’t wait for symptoms, and don’t die of embarrassment; ensure you and the men you care about are regularly checked.​​​​​​​

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the prostate. These abnormal cells can continue to multiply in an uncontrolled way and sometimes spread outside the prostate into nearby or distant parts of the body.

Doctors don't know what causes prostate cancer. What they do know however, is that the growth of cancer cells in the prostate is stimulated by male hormones, especially testosterone. Most prostate cancer growth is influenced by testosterone but the speed at which prostate cancer grows varies from man to man. In some men the cancer grows very slowly (called indolent), in others growth is more rapid (aggressive).

Ride, host an event, reach a push-up goal – or set a challenge of your choice this September. 

Inspire your community to tackle prostate cancer together, and raise vital funds and show support for your mates and whānau impacted by the most commonly diagnosed cancer in kiwi men. 

Sign up to support Blue September here.

Every item purchased is a simple way to raise funds, show your support, and help raise awareness of prostate cancer.

There are t-shirts, golf balls, tea towels, key rings, glasses cleaning cloths, and more available.

Buy merchandise here.

In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. In the later stages, some symptoms might include:

• The frequent or sudden need to urinate, especially at night
• Finding it difficult to urinate (for e.g. trouble starting or not being able to when the feeling is there)​​​​​​​
• Poor urine flow
• Discomfort when urinating
• Discovering blood in urine or semen (never ignore this)
• Pain in the lower back, upper thighs, or hips.

• Bone pain

• Unexpected weight loss

These symptoms may not mean you have prostate cancer, but if you experience any of them, contact your doctor - early detection can save your life.

More options are available if prostate cancer is detected before it causes symptoms, so a GP visit for a check up at least once a year is vital.

• Age – as with most cancers, prostate cancer is more common as you get older, especially after the age of 60​​​​​​​
• Family history – if you have a first-degree male relative with it, you’re twice as likely to develop it
• Genetics – genes can be inherited
• Diet – eating a lot of processed or
  high-fat food can increase the risk

• Obesity and weight - being overweight or obese increases your risk of metastatic or advanced prostate cancer

• Lifestyle - environment and lifestyle can
  increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Physical exercise also decreases the chance of getting prostate cancer.

• Pesticides - research has found that the risk of developing prostate cancer is higher in people exposed to high levels of pesticides. Most people only come into contact with small amounts of pesticides on food or when gardening.

You can help reduce your risk of many cancers by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active, and not smoking.

First and foremost, a doctor will usually do a PSA blood test testing for a Prostate-Specific Antigen. This may lead to a quick physical examination to check the health of the prostate, if necessary.

• Make a list of what you are feeling and how often it happens, including as much detail as possible
• Think about your family/whānau history of cancer and tell your doctor
• Go back to your doctor if you don't feel better, even if tests show you don't have a problem - you can ask for a second opinion if you want one
• Take a family/whānau member or friend with you to the appointment for support​​​​​​​