A new book offering a candid and often humorous account of living with prostate cancer was launched at Central Stories, Centennial Ave, Alexandra, recently (Friday August 8).

Wonky Ponk Down Under – One Man’s Journey Through Prostate Cancer, by the late Mike Riddell, was discovered in manuscript form by his wife Rose about a year after his death. In a recent interview with RNZ’s Kathryn Ryan, Rose said she knew Mike was writing about his experience but she hadn't read the work.

She decided to publish it for three main reasons: to increase awareness about the disease and encourage men to get checked for prostate cancer, to share a work she knew to be well written, and to honour Mike’s intention to tell his story.

Mike died from complications related to treatment just days after his 69th birthday. The 34-chapter book, just over 100 pages, is illustrated with playful cartoons by Gair Cook It mixes humour with honest descriptions of symptoms, tests, treatments, and side effects.

The back cover of the book notes that 80 per cent of men who reach the age of 80 will have prostate cancer, but that the disease prevents many others from ever reaching that age.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand says prostate cancer is the country’s most commonly diagnosed cancer (apart from skin cancers), with more than 4,000 new cases and over 700 deaths each year. Māori men have a slightly lower incidence but a higher death rate, which may be linked to later diagnosis or treatment options offered.

Rose Riddell hopes the book will prompt more men to seek regular checks; as is often the case, early diagnosis enables the most effective treatment.

For details about local prostate cancer support groups in Central Otago, contact David and Ruth Clarke on 027 877 8070 or email [email protected].

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