Join us for a discussion on the latest updates from the Mātai Accuracy and Equity in Prostate Cancer Project, and an introduction to a new initiative focused on culturally informed diagnosis and care for Māori and Pacific men affected by prostate cancer.

The presentations will be followed by drinks & nibbles, and an informal opportunity to talk to the experts.

Accuracy & Equity in Prostate Cancer Project

Mātai is using advanced MRI techniques to improve how prostate cancer is diagnosed. This approach helps doctors decide whether a biopsy is needed and assists in performing targeted biopsies. Not only does this method help diagnose more serious prostate cancers, it also reduces the diagnosis of less serious cases and reduces the overall need for biopsies. By showing how effective this pathway is, we hope to advocate for it to become the standard of care throughout New Zealand.

Thanks to our supporters, this advanced pathway is available free to men in Tairāwhiti.

READ MORE HERE about the Accuracy & Equity in Prostate Cancer Project.

Māori/Pacific Prostate Cancer

In his New Zealand Mana Tūāpapa Future Leader Fellowship, Dr Oka Sanerivi will explore how Māori and Pacific men view and understand their health and their bodies. The research will focus on prostate cancer – the most common cancer affecting men in Aotearoa New Zealand. Māori and Pacific men experience relatively high mortality from prostate cancer, despite similar diagnosis rates to other groups. Dr Sanerivi will ask participants about disease awareness, diagnoses, access to culturally appropriate healthcare, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Early detection of, and intervention in, prostate cancer is associated with improved patient outcomes, and means that less-intensive treatment is required, reducing health expenditure. This research will ensure that the experiences of Māori and Pacific men are understood, and enable co-design of a tailored health service to provide culturally informed diagnosis and care for men affected by prostate cancer.