Our Prostate Reality… Speak out this Blue September
Annually, over 600 Kiwi men die at the hands of prostate cancer. Worldwide, it is the most common incident cancer for men, with 1.4million cases in 2016, reports the ongoing Global Burden of Disease Study. Blue September is the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand’s national awareness campaign – spreading the word and seeking support for men and their families.
33Thirty spoke to Ken Wells, a prostate cancer battler, who shares his experience on how difficult times reinforced the importance of family and healthy living.
“I didn’t ‘feel’ like I had cancer,” says Ken. “I’ve had 35years of martial arts, endurance walks and I’m not a smoker or drinker – I thought my body would always do what I wanted it to do.”
One of biggest circulating myths is that prostate cancer is slow growing, however, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 29 types of prostate cancer have been discovered, “Of those there are prostate cancers a man may die with and not of, while others are very aggressive.”
“I felt fine, but on the genomic scale my cancer was an eight out of 10 and really fast growing,” says Ken.
Reaching out
Whilst research into the disease proved invaluable, it was the support of those closest that Ken couldn’t have done without.
“For men in particular, going through something like this has a huge psychological and emotional impact,” he says. “It would be easy enough to retreat into self-pity and isolation because it’s a sensitive area. Side effects of prostate surgery are incontinence and erectile dysfunction – it’s daunting.”
Ensuring his physical and mental health was up to speed before his surgery was essential, says Ken.
“As soon as I was diagnosed, we sat down as a family and discussed all the possible outcomes and the journey ahead,” he explains. “Diet topped the list and I cut all dairy, gluten, sugar and meat and went into surgery feeling fantastic.”
Taking stock
Various studies have coined a link between meat and dairy consumption and an increase in prostate cancer risk. For example, the Physician Health Study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, states: “A high calcium intake, mainly from dairy products, may increase prostate cancer risk by lowering concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], a hormone thought to protect against prostate cancer.”
However, no matter the research, taking stock of your diet is the best thing you can do if diagnosed, believes Ken.
“For me, I wasn’t prepared to just take a few pills. Battling prostate cancer isn’t about a quick fix, it’s about positive measures to keep moving forward.”
If you or a loved one are seeking information about prostate cancer, wishing to support or make a donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, want to learn more about upcoming events, news or to connect with others, visit www.prostate.org.nz.