When breast cancer is considered as the one of most serious life eating cancers among women in New Zealand, then at the same time, here most of the men also suffer from prostate cancer. Yes, with an equal mortality rate, prostate cancer is most commonly diagnosed in New Zealand men and therefore it is considered as the third most fatal male cancer here.

In New Zealand, every year around 560 men die due to prostate cancer and about 3000 new cases come to light.

After conducting an inquiry of 18 months, and thoroughly analyzing the public hearing submissions, the Health Select Committee has asked the Government not to introduce a national screening program for prostate cancer and to rather ensure the availability of as much information as possible so that men could take the right decision.

Screening test of prostate cancer is associated with several risks; therefore putting every man above the age of 50 and without the symptoms of prostate cancer over the screening test is neither logical nor a safe decision.

As told by the committee Chairman, Paul Hutchison, in regard to the risks associated with the PSA blood test and benefits of early detection and treatment, there had been dynamic debate held between public groups and health professionals.