Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancer in men in this country - that’s why it’s excellent that services are being strengthened in Southland and Otago.

New Zealand’s first Advanced Practitioner Radiation Therapist, specialising in prostate cancer, is transforming care for men in the lower South Island.

In fact, this role is helping transform prostate cancer care in the region, giving men faster access to treatment, more personalised support, and improved outcomes.

It means that patients have consistent support throughout their treatment journey, while also freeing up specialists to see more people who need care.

The Advanced Practitioner runs review clinics during treatment, leads six-week post-treatment follow-up clinics on behalf of radiation oncologists, and completes pre-first specialist assessments to prepare men before they even see a specialist.

In August alone, around 60 patients received care through this role, demonstrating the value of this model.

This new approach is already showing tangible benefits for patients and clinicians alike.

It’s a great example of how innovative models of care can improve patient experience and ensure more Southlanders receive timely, quality healthcare.

While the role is currently focused on prostate cancer, there are already plans to extend it to a wider range of urological conditions in the future.

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among New Zealand men, with more than 4000 cases confirmed each year. Tragically, around 700 fathers, brothers, husbands, and friends lose their lives to it annually.

 The good news is that when prostate cancer is detected early, the chances of successful treatment are far higher.

That’s why awareness, early testing, and access to treatment are so important – they save lives.

Early detection, combined with innovative models of care like we’re seeing in the South, give men the best possible chance of living longer, healthier lives.

Funded by Parliamentary Services