Research meets reality in Oranga Tū
Māori men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer and experience poorer health outcomes than non-Māori men.
Research meets reality in Oranga Tū, an emotive feature film that focuses on the lived experience of Māori men in Aotearoa living with prostate cancer. The cinematic storytelling marks the first of its kind in New Zealand – a kaupapa Māori co-designed project with Māori communities including Māori prostate cancer survivors, Māori health providers, specialists and researchers.
To shine a light on prostate cancer this September – the month dedicated to raising funds and awareness of the disease – Movember’s True North has funded the production, which aims to raise awareness, understanding and a call-to-action to improve health services and ensure that all men, Māori, Pasifika and Pākehā, seek medical advice early, take charge of their health, talk and live longer, stronger and healthier lives.
Indeed, Oranga Tū is a timely reminder for Kiwi men to get tested for prostate cancer, which claims the lives of about 650 New Zealanders each year. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer (apart from skin cancers) in New Zealand men. Every year, nearly 4000 men will be diagnosed with the condition, with Māori men being twice as likely to die from prostate cancer and experience poorer health outcomes than non-Māori men.
Oranga Tū , to mean a healthy stand, was inspired by film participant Rea Wikaira, a Māori man with terminal prostate cancer and a healthy ahua, spirit or soul. Wairua, which includes spirituality and connections to people, land, language and history is rarely considered as a part of western medical care, but without it, says Rea, there is no true health.
" Every year, nearly 4000 men will be diagnosed with the condition, with Māori men being twice as likely to die from prostate cancer and experience poorer health outcomes than non-Māori men. "
With Rea’s philosophy in mind, the Oranga Tū research project was born with the aim to understand how to improve the ‘whole’ lives of Māori men and their whānau (family members, carers, support people) through focusing on whānau ora, covering the holistic health and wellbeing of families.
Co-delivered with the University of Otago and Auckland University of Technology, the film emphasises the importance of cultural awareness and connectivity to deliver the best outcomes for men’s mental and physical health. In tandem, the film showcases the impact that if health care is not delivered in a culturally sensitive and appropriate fashion, it leads to disengagement and poor health outcomes.
Movember New Zealand Country Manager, Robert Dunne says education and open discussion around prostate cancer is needed to stop our men from dying too young.
“It’s important that men have conversations about their health that include prostate cancer. As one of the most diagnosed cancers in men in New Zealand, it’s critical that men understand their family history and risk factors associated with the disease.
Not everyone experiences symptoms of prostate cancer. Often, signs of prostate cancer are first detected by a doctor during a routine check-up. Some men, however, will experience changes in urinary or sexual function that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
Says Dunne, “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and Oranga Tū are timely reminders for men to take action by having a conversation with their GP around regular prostate health checks.”
Kiwis can watch Oranga Tū on TVNZ OnDemand