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.
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading
New Zealand First have been strong supporters by
introducing a Private Members Bill 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.”
