Annual Conference Men’s Network Update: Check Your Balls!

The 2025 PPTA Te Wehengarua Annual Conference took place during the Term Break. At the Men’s Meeting, we were joined by guest speaker Russell George, from the Prostate and Testicular Cancer Foundation of New Zealand (PCF), who shared some important insights on men’s health.

• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand for men over 40 and the second most deadly (after lung cancer).
• Testicular cancer, while relatively rare, is the most common cancer in men under 40. Fortunately, it’s highly treatable when diagnosed early.

Russell highlighted that single men are more likely to ‘drop out’ of the health system — often after leaving school when their mothers stop taking them to the doctor and free healthcare ends. In contrast, women tend to stay engaged in the system through family planning, pregnancy, and childcare.

Unfortunately, many men only re-enter the health system after an accident or a serious, untreated condition. Russell also spoke about how teachers, as role models, can play an important role in encouraging young men to take their health seriously.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) has over 40 volunteers nationwide who are available to attend regional or branch meetings for male teachers. They can also visit schools to speak with boys about men’s health — particularly testicular cancer awareness through their “Check Your Balls” initiative. 

• More information about Testicular Cancer 

Looking ahead, Men’s Network representatives will meet at the Issues and Organising Activist Hui in Term 1, 2026 to discuss proposed activities for the year, based on feedback from members, branches, and regions.