Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand
The Prostate Cancer Foundation welcomes Labour Leader Chris Hipkins’ pledge to support a prostate cancer screening pilot, the same day the National Party made the same commitment in its health policy announcement.
The positions of the two major parties, confirmed publicly during the leaders’ election debate last night, mean there is now clear support for testing a new approach to detect prostate cancer earlier.
Asked by debate moderator Jack Tame whether he would support a pilot programme for prostate cancer screening, Mr Hipkins replied: “Yes.”
Prostate Cancer Foundation chief executive Peter Dickens says the rapid emergence of cross-party support is an important development for New Zealand men.
“The same day National committed to a prostate cancer screening pilot, a pledge repeated by National leader Chris Luxon during the debate, Labour has now made the same public commitment.
“That is a significant step forward. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among New Zealand men, with around 4,500 new cases and approximately 700 deaths each year.
“Too many men are diagnosed when their cancer is already advanced. Detecting prostate cancer earlier can give men more treatment options and, critically, a better chance of surviving their cancer.”
The Prostate Cancer Foundation has been campaigning for a prostate cancer screening pilot for three years.
“We welcome both National and Labour recognising the need to test a new approach to prostate cancer screening,” Dickens says.
New Zealand First have been strong supporters by introducing a Private Members Bil supporting the proposed Pilot The Green, Opportunity Party have both articulated assurances of support in principle.
“We urge all political parties to publicly support the pilot and, ultimately, the development of a national programme if the evidence demonstrates that it can save lives and deliver better outcomes for men.”