Guys…Get tested now

As men we always pretend to know a lot about everything, but we don’t know a lot about our own bodies. Guys we all have a prostate. And you can develop prostate cancer. Here are a few things you should know about prostate cancer and why you should get tested as soon as possible.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is situated just under the bladder, and produces a milky white substance that forms part of semen. Sperm cells, produced in the testes, are transported into the urethra via the ejaculatory ducts situated in the prostate gland.

Symptoms of prostate cancer you may notice

• Difficulty urinating (weak or hesitant urination)
• Frequent night urination
• Sudden, urgent need to urinate
• Breaks in the urination stream (start and stop cycles)
• Pain in the groin, abdomen and/or lower back
• Pain and/or discomfort in the penis or testicles
• Painful ejaculations
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased urinary stream
• Blood in semen
• Blood in urine
• Bone pain

Incidents of Prostate Cancer

4000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in South Africa yearly. The incidence of prostate cancer is incredibly high. The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s statistics show that in South Africa: about 1 in 8-9 white men are likely to be affected by prostate cancer and about 1 in 4-6 black men are likely to be affected by prostate cancer. The South African Prostate Cancer guidelines recommend that: Black South African men and men with a positive family history of breast or prostate cancer consider screening from the age of 40. Men from all other ethnic groups should consider screening from the age of 45.

First is the blood test

Screening should include a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and a Digital Rectal Examination IF the PSA test comes back on the high side.­ A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is used for screening as it can detect prostate cancer even before symptoms occur.

Digital rectal exam

This is a simple test that takes less than 30 seconds for a doctor to perform. The examining doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum so that they can feel the prostate for any abnormal lumps, hardening or other signs of prostate cancer. Depending on the results a biopsy might be required.

There is a van just for men

Guys we always want our own spaces, the man cave, the boys’ night, the braai area or the couch. Well here is a place that is named after men just for men. The Hollard MANVan travels to rural areas around SA, and offers free PSA screening and health checks. It also disseminates information about prostate and testicular cancer. To date, the Hollard MANVan has tested over 18 000 men from all over the country.  If you see the Hollard MANVan in your area take the opportunity to get yourself tested.

If it scares you, be brave!

Most of us (let’s be honest) don’t get tested, firstly because we don’t want to know we are ill and secondly because we fear the testing process. In the first instance, being willfully ignorant of our health status is a manifestation of toxic masculinity – we never want to show weakness.  Guys, even a lion needs to sleep.  In the second instance, fear of the test, is a similar manifestation of toxic masculinity – we are literally afraid of having a finger put up our bum. This is ridiculous and ultimately, juvenile. Guys, if we are so macho then we need to be brave enough to face our fears.

Early Diagnosis

The really good news is that if prostate cancer is caught early, the 5 year post-diagnosis survival rate is very high – in the US, for example, it approaches 100%. Unfortunately if the cancer isn’t caught early and has metastasised to distant parts of the body at the time of diagnosis, the five-year post-diagnosis survival rate drops to 29%. So get tested now!

10^th Daredevil Run

The 2020 edition of the 10^th annual Hollard Daredevil Run will be taking place on Friday the 13 March at Zoo Lake Sports Club, c/o Lower Park / Prince of Wales / Westwold, Parkwood.

It is as simple as:

• A minimum donation of R100 (R50 for under 18’s) is required
• R50 for a Daredevil Speedo if you’re a first timer or need a new one (Get yourself a special 10th anniversary edition with gold text!)
• R10 for admin fees

Get you and your mates together for the run or walk and take the opportunity to raise awareness and most importantly get tested for prostate cancer.

Don’t get left out!

A large number of men are engaging with their health and creating awareness, what are you doing? 3970 guys registered for the 2019 instalment of the Hollard Daredevil Run with just over 3400 taking part. Help us get that number up to 5000 by registering for the 10^th Daredevil Run. To register click here

The facts are clear as day, you need to get tested. Let’s be part of the solution and engage with our health like an adult thinking about their future. Join other men being bold about their health.