Rotary Taranaki and Taranaki DHB team up to beat prostate cancer

8 September 2016

A one-off partnership between Taranaki DHB and Rotary Taranaki means Taranaki men will be able to receive prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment much faster than before, thanks to the donation of a $45,000 transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) machine.

Jenny Corban, Taranaki DHB Uro-Oncology Coordinator said, “We can’t thank the Taranaki Rotary clubs enough for their generosity. Having our own TRUS machine means we will be able to increase both the number and frequency of TRUS biopsies and significantly reduce the time Taranaki men will wait for diagnosis.”

Prior to the DHB having its own TRUS machine, a machine was leased which meant the service was limited to just one uro-oncology session per month.

Funding for the machine was provided by fundraising efforts from the Rotary Clubs of Taranaki, as well as a contribution from the Okato Lions Club. These organisations were approached by Taranaki DHB’s Urology Department as part of a service improvement project aimed at speeding up the process of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

Jill Fearn, Rotary New Plymouth North member said, “The Rotary Clubs of North Taranaki are delighted to be able to raise this money and present the TRUS machine to Taranaki Base Hospital.  It has come about through fundraising and generous donations from our members and people in the community who have been affected by Prostate Cancer first hand.

The donation of the machine coincides with Blue September, which is the Prostate Cancer Foundations national awareness campaign (www.blueseptember.org.nz).

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among New Zealand men, with around 3000 diagnoses and 600 deaths from prostate cancer each year.

Mrs Corban, said, “The most significant risk factor for prostate cancer is ageing, which means all men are at risk as they get older. The longer you wait the harder it is to treat, so the best way to prevent the harmful effects of prostate cancer is through early detection.”

“Taranaki men should consider having prostate checks from age 50, or 40 if there is a family history of prostate cancer,” added Mrs Corban.

Mrs Corban added, “These organisations have put a lot of hard work into fundraising for this machine. It will significantly improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer and improve health outcomes for a lot of men in the Taranaki community.”

ENDS

For more information please call:
Cressida Gates-Thompson
Media & Communications Manager
027 703 6177

Last updated: Friday, October 7, 2016