It's not too late to mark Blue September in your calendar and help support the 42,000 Kiwi men living with prostate cancer 

Blue September runs from Friday, September 1, to Saturday, September 30.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand launched Blue September, the foundation’s biggest fundraising event of the year on Friday with the month ahead dedicated to raising awareness of prostate cancer. 

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand and the second leading cause of cancer related death in men. 

· 1 in 8 Kiwi men will develop prostate cancer at some stage in their lifetime. 

· 4,000 Kiwi men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. 

· There are currently 42,000 men living with this disease in New Zealand. 

Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand is the leading men’s cancer charity which aims to significantly reduce and ultimately end suffering and death from prostate cancer, by providing support and education, funding research, and advocating to reduce the impacts of the disease.  

It’s hoped that fundraising events up and down the country will raise more than $1 million of much needed funds, with proceeds going towards essential wrap-around support services the charity provides for men and their whānau living with prostate cancer.  

This year the Blue September and Hellers have teamed up to get the barbecue conversation started 

Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand wants men to start talking about their health and taking positive action because if it’s caught early, prostate cancer can be very treatable and so many more options are available to men.  

Hellers already play an important role in supporting grass roots barbecue fundraisers around New Zealand and are getting behind Blue September this year by providing free sausage packs for groups and individuals that register a Blue Do, to maximise the funds raised for Prostate Cancer Foundation Zealand.   

Check out the campaign with Heller’s ambassador Leigh Hart and sports presenter Tony Johnson.

Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand Education and Outreach Van 

Coinciding with Blue September, the Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand has launched a new awareness van, starting an ambitious new programme of education and outreach for the charity, enabling them to travel across New Zealand targeting places where men, and their families, gather such as health expos, fairs, and workplaces.    

Manned by a health professional, the van will provide vital information and education about prostate cancer to empower men and their whānau to seek early diagnosis to ensure the best outcome, which is made significantly more likely if the disease is detected before it causes symptoms.  

The programme kicks off at the Edmund Hillary Retirement Village in Auckland on Father’s Day, and Prostate Cancer Foundation CE Peter Dickens says the aim is to encourage the older generation to get their sons, particularly those aged in their 40s and 50s, to talk to a health professional.  

“The social impact of this disease is immeasurable and we’re in danger of losing a generation of men to prostate cancer without a coordinated national approach," says Peter.

“A lot of men actively avoid visiting their GP which can be a crucial step in getting an early diagnosis of prostate cancer. 

“So, we decided that it’s time to get out to where men are and have those conversations, provide information and education with hopes of early detection to save the lives of our sons, fathers, and mates.   

We’re incredible grateful to Ryman for believing in the importance of this work and supporting us to make it possible."

Holding a 'Blue Do' is a way to support the 1 in 8 Kiwi men and their families affected by prostate cancer. To find out how to 'Do Something Blue To Help A Mate Through' this September, or to register your blue do visit www.blueseptember.org.nz