Central Otago District Mayor Tim Cadogan has spoken publicly for the first time regarding a diagnosis of prostate cancer. 

“I’ve always considered myself a very fortunate person, and I feel that way now more than ever,” he says. 

“Men are renowned for often not doing as much as they could to look after their health and I could be accused a bit of that myself.  

“Last year, while seeing my doctor for something else, a check for prostate cancer was suggested.  

“I am in my mid-50s with a family history of the illness but was not due a check for another couple of years.  

“The unscheduled check and my doctor’s great skill led to the discovery of a small tumour on my prostate.

“Because this has been discovered so early, I am told I should make a full recovery following surgery. 

“I am truly a lucky man but without that check, the story would most likely have had a much less positive outcome, so guys, please do the right thing and get yourself checked, especially if you are over 50 and/or have a family history. 

“As a result of this discovery, I will be taking some time off work to focus on surgery and recuperation from it. 

“The Deputy Mayor will step in as required for all mayoral duties during the time I am recuperating, and I will be picking up light duties as soon as I am able, which is expected to be in a few weeks.” 

Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ says prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Kiwi men, with around 3,000 registrations and about 600 deaths from prostate cancer each year. 

Men who develop prostate cancer are mostly over the age of 65. 

It rarely occurs in men younger than 55. About one in 13 men will develop prostate cancer before the age of 75. 

In very elderly men, prostate cancer often grows very slowly and may cause no symptoms.

Some men are more at risk of getting prostate cancer than others, but the most important risk factor is ageing. 

Men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher risk; that is, if the father, an uncle or a brother has had prostate cancer.

For more information, visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ website, here.