Cansa has noted with concern the rising number of men being diagnosed with late-stage cancer.

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The Bedfordview-based association highlighted that men need to be proactive about their health and should recognise warning signs.

It encouraged monthly testicular self-examinations, annual medical check-ups and cancer screening for early detection, as symptoms don’t always present until cancer has spread.

Cansa urged men and male cancer survivors to encourage one another to invest in their health and to ask their doctor for advice on specific cancer screening tests relevant to their age, medical and family history.

According to the association, the five most common types of cancer men are affected by include prostate, colorectal, lung, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and bladder cancers.

Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer globally and nationally, and showing significant increases.

According to the 2017 statistics of the National Cancer Registry (NCR), one in 17 SA men are at risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

According to the association, international and local research indicates that the risk for aggressive prostate cancer is higher in black men.

The prostate, a walnut-sized gland of the male reproductive system, is located just below the bladder.

Prostate cancer often grows slowly and may not cause significant harm.

However, the association noted that some types are more aggressive and can spread quickly without treatment.

In the early stages, men may have no symptoms.

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However, later symptoms can include:
• Frequent passing of urine, especially at night
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• A weak or interrupted urinary stream
• Painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
• Blood in urine or semen

Advanced prostate cancer can cause deep pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.

Risk factors for prostate cancer include:
• Age
• Ethnicity
• Family medical history
• Being obese or overweight
• Some dietary factors

The association said men can lower their risk of prostate cancer by eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting the intake of red meat and high-fat dairy products.

Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer or cancer of the colon or rectum is the second most common cancer among men.

It is estimated by the NCR 2017 that one in 74 SA men will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.

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In the early stages, symptoms are not present; however, when they do occur, they may include:
• A change in bowel habits
• Rectal bleeding or blood in stools
• Persistent abdominal discomfort
• The feeling that the bowel does not empty
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

If men experience any symptoms, they should request a referral for a colonoscopy to screen for cancer.

Cansa recommends a colonoscopy for men from the age of 50 years old, every 10 years and earlier if there is a history of colorectal cancer.

Risk factors include:
• Family history of colorectal cancer
• A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
• Colorectal polyps
• Consumption of red and processed meats
• Low fruit and veg intake
• Low-fibre and high-fat diet
• Excess body weight
• Alcohol consumption
• Insufficient intake of clean and safe water
• Smoking
• Lack of physical activity
• Exposure to chemicals

To reduce the risks of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, Cansa advised living a balanced lifestyle.
Lung cancer

Third on the list of most common cancers affecting SA men is lung cancer, with estimates that one in 82 SA men will develop lung cancer, according to the NCR 2017.

Symptoms include:
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• A change in sputum
• Chest pains
• Noisy breathing
• Hoarseness
• Coughing up blood

Cansa stated that smoking accounts for the majority of preventable lung cancers.

The association emphasised that the best way to prevent the disease is to not use tobacco products and avoid second-hand smoke.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
This cancer is a cancer of the lymphoid tissue, which includes the lymph nodes, spleen and other organs of the immune system.

According to the NCR 2016, one in 160 SA men will develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma and, as such, it is the fourth most common cancer among men.

Symptoms may include:
• Night sweats
• Itching
• Swollen lymph nodes along the neck, underarms, groin or other areas
• Fever and chills
• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting

If cancer affects the brain, headaches, concentration problems, personality changes or seizures may occur.

If cancer affects the thymus gland or lymph nodes in the chest, then coughing or shortness of breath.

Bladder cancer
Affecting one in every 143 men, according to the NCR 2017, bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer for SA men.

Symptoms include:
• Blood in the urine
• Change in urine colour
• The need to urine frequently
• A burning sensation urinating

Cansa stated the largest risk factor that can be avoided is smoking, which doubles the chance of bladder cancer.

The association said when someone stops smoking, the risk of developing cancer falls dramatically.

Visit https://cansa.org.za/mens-health/ for more information on these cancers.