Kiwi Men In The Dark About Prostate Health

MEDIA RELEASE
1 November 2007

Kiwi Men In The Dark About Prostate Health

New national research by Nutra-Life Health & Fitness shows Kiwi men are in the dark when it comes to basic knowledge about prostate health, potentially putting their health at risk.

Almost two out of three men aged 50 years and above (the at-risk age group) are mistakenly waiting for symptoms to appear before talking to a doctor about prostate health. This is concerning as many men experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease when more treatment options are available.

Three in every four men surveyed don’t know where their prostate is, one in ten doesn’t know he has one and a further one in ten thinks women can develop prostate cancer.

The Nutra-Life Men’s Health survey of 500 males aged 30+ also highlighted an apparent lack of concern by males towards developing prostate cancer. Just 15% of respondents said they were seriously concerned about the prospect of developing prostate cancer.

Mark Mathews, Nutra-Life Health & Fitness spokesman said this is cause for concern.

“Each year around 2700 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in New Zealand – that is more than the number of New Zealand women diagnosed with breast cancer each year. With baby boomer men now entering the at-risk age group for prostate cancer it is vital they understand the significance of this disease.”

The good news is that initiatives like ‘Movember’ are beginning to break the silence surrounding men’s health issues. According to the survey around two thirds feel comfortable talking about prostate health, and this willingness to talk increases as men age.

In terms of screening, around half (48%) are yet to have a prostate examination. Even in some of the age brackets within the target zone the numbers are low – less than half of those men aged 50-59 have had a prostate check. The idea of a Government funded prostate screening programme in New Zealand was met with approval by nine in ten men.

Mark Mathews concluded by saying: “We are encouraging all men to talk to their doctor about prostate health and to adopt some simple tips to help maintain a healthy prostate.”

MAINTAINING A HEALTHY PROSTATE

 Get your prostate checked yearly after age 40
 Have regular sex
 Eat right – less fat and more fibre, soy protein, fruits and cooked tomatoes
 Exercise regularly
 Watch your weight – obesity could be a contributing factor to many cancers, including prostate cancer
 Don’t Smoke
 Limit alcohol and caffeine
 Drink lots of water
 Eat more tomato sauce – a rich source of Lycopene, a nutrient that seems to protect cells in prostate
 Take health supplements containing high potency herbs and nutrients – such as Saw Palmetto and Lycopene – to help maintain a healthy prostate

Survey sponsored by Nutra-Life Health & Fitness in the interests of men’s health and raising awareness of prostate cancer. The national survey was conducted by Market Knowledge NZ in September 2007. It involved an online study of 501 males, aged 30+ years. The sample is nationally representative.

About Nutra-Life Health & Fitness:
Nutra-Life Health & Fitness employs more than 140 staff with over 450 product lines through its brands including Nutra-Life, Kordel’s, Wagner and Balance Muscle Technologies. It is a major supplier to the nutritional products market, in New Zealand, Australia and more than 20 other countries.

Ends.

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