This November, I-MED Radiology is proud to partner with and donate to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand (PCFNZ) to champion men’s health, fund vital support services and research, and empower Kiwi men to take charge of their wellbeing.

Across Aotearoa New Zealand, taking a proactive approach to men’s health makes a life-saving difference. Today, an estimated 48,000 Kiwi men are living after a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Many men experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as they get older. While symptoms like needing to pass urine more frequently, a weak stream, or straining are common and usually benign (often caused by natural prostate enlargement or infections), they can overlap with symptoms of prostate cancer, or reflect changes if you have previously been treated for prostate cancer.

At I-MED Radiology, we are experts in medical imaging. Driven by our commitment to comprehensive care and uncompromising quality, our purpose is to save lives and reduce uncertainty. When you and your doctor need clarity on your prostate or urinary health, you can trust I-MED to get the answers that matter.

Giving back to the communities we serve across the Waikato, Taranaki, and Bay of Plenty is a priority at I-MED. Throughout November, we are stepping up our commitment to men’s health by partnering with and making a donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand (PCFNZ).

By supporting PCFNZ’s vital work and raising awareness across our New Zealand clinic network, we aim to spark crucial conversations among men and their whānau, ensuring patients have access to world-class diagnostic imaging at every step of their journey, from initial symptom investigation through to diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care.

A prostate concern or even the thought of getting tested, can feel daunting, but early detection and open conversations with your GP are your best defence.

New Zealand clinical guidance supports an individualised discussion with your GP about Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood testing and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), weighing up your personal and family risk factors:

• If you’re over 50 then consider an annual prostate check that includes both a PSA blood test and a digital rectal examination (DRE).
• Start from 45 years if there is known family history of prostate cancer, or from age 40 if there is a genetic predisposition to prostate cancer (BRCA2 gene variation, family history of breast, ovarian, prostate cancer or Lynch Syndrome).
• If You Notice Urinary Changes: Always book an appointment with your GP if you experience new or worsening urinary symptoms (such as frequency, urgency, waking up multiple times at night to urinate, a weak stream, or straining).
• When to Seek Urgent Medical Care: Please see a doctor immediately if you ever notice visible blood in your urine (haematuria), persistent new bone or night-time pain, or back pain accompanied by weakness or numbness in your limbs.

What Happens Next? The Diagnostic Pathway

If your initial PSA test is elevated (without other urgent symptoms), your GP will typically check for benign causes and repeat the test after 6 to 12 weeks to confirm the trend. If your PSA remains elevated or your examination is abnormal, your GP will refer you to a specialist (urologist). Following specialist assessment, advanced medical imaging such as a Prostate MRI is used to guide investigation before deciding if a biopsy is needed.

If your specialist or GP recommends medical imaging, whether a renal tract ultrasound for urinary symptoms, a Prostate MRI prior to biopsy, or a PSMA PET-CT scan, knowing what lies ahead helps put your mind at ease.

To reduce uncertainty and explain what you can expect, Dr Nick White breaks down modern prostate imaging in our short, easy-to-understand video series below.

• I have a raised PSA - what happens first?
• What is an MRI of the prostate?
• What is a PSMA PET scan?
• Why might I need one or both?
• If my MRI is normal, could I still have cancer?
• What will i feel during these scans?

We encourage all men to take an active role in their wellbeing and speak openly with their GP. For further support, decision-making tools, and information for you and your whānau, visit these trusted New Zealand resources:

• Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ (Support Services): Information, support groups, and resources for Kiwi men and their families.
• Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ (Getting Tested): Learn more about PSA testing and early detection in New Zealand.
• Kupe – Decision Support Tool for Patients: A New Zealand Ministry of Health tool designed to help men and their whānau decide whether getting a prostate check is right for them.