It’s World Cancer Day. Did you know these stats?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men in Aotearoa New Zealand – but not all men face the same chance of surviving it.
The death rate for men diagnosed with prostate cancer in New Zealand is 7 per 100,000. For Māori men, the rate is significantly higher at 10.2 per 100,000, highlighting persistent inequities in access to care, early detection, and outcomes.
Prostate cancer doesn’t always come with warning signs. Early detection is critical – when the disease is confined to the prostate, more than 98% of men survive beyond five years. But if it’s diagnosed later, after spreading, survival drops dramatically, with around 75% of men not surviving.
World Cancer Day is a reminder that men’s health matters, and that timely detection and equitable care can save lives.
Here’s what we’re doing about it
Movember has been focused on prostate cancer since 2004, funding research and initiatives that improve early detection, diagnosis, and access to care. A key part of this work is the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry New Zealand (PCOR-NZ), in partnership with the Centre for Health Outcome Measures New Zealand (CHOMNZ).
PCOR-NZ recently completed the first population-level analysis of prostate cancer care in New Zealand, with a focus on the inequities affecting Māori men. The research confirmed that Māori men are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age and with more aggressive disease. It also revealed differences in diagnostic tests, treatments received, and wait times for care.
This evidence highlights the urgent need for culturally appropriate, timely, and equitable care. By continuing to collect national-level data, PCOR-NZ gives researchers, clinicians, and advocates the insights they need to drive system-level change – improving outcomes for all men in New Zealand.
Work like this is made possible by you
Every conversation started, dollar donated, and community event supports research like PCOR-NZ, helps fund early detection programs, and ensures men – especially Māori men – get fair access to the care they need.
This World Cancer Day, Movember encourages men across Aotearoa to speak with their doctor, understand their risk, and take action.
Because prostate cancer can be treated successfully when caught early – and together, we can make sure every man in New Zealand has the best chance of survival, no matter who they are or where they live.