The Prostate Cancer Foundation says the latest results from a study about disparities faced by rural and Maori men with the disease highlight the need for a specifically targeted campaign.
The Midland Cancer Network and Auckland University research found that although Maori men were less likely to develop prostate cancer than non-Maori, Maori and rural men were less likely to be screened and had the highest fatality rates.
Prostate Cancer Foundation chief executive Graham Woodside said the study is helpful because they now have factual data to use as a base for campaigns aimed at Maori.
He said that in the past all they had was anecdotal evidence about the disparities between Maori and non-Maori incidence of prostate cancer and mortality.
Mr Woodside said the foundation would look at how it can address the imbalance.
