Cansa calls on men to look out for their health

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men globally and the number one cancer affecting all South African men.

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

In the National Cancer Registry of SA’s Ekurhuleni Population-Based Cancer Registry Annual 2018 Report, the most common cancers among men in the Ekurhuleni region included prostate, colorectal, lung, melanoma and oesophageal cancers

The Bedfordview-based Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) highlighted that prostate cancer tends to run in families.

It encouraged men to learn more about their family’s history of cancer and symptoms and to not delay age-appropriate prostate screening to prevent unnecessary death due to late diagnosis.

Cansa’s head of service Gerda Strauss said men can play a vital role in encouraging one another to take charge of their health.

“We know that cancer has a strong tendency of running in families, so we urge men with a family history of cancer to not only take responsibility for their health by going for prostate screening but also encourage other male relatives and friends to get checked,” said Gerda.

Gerda said prostate cancer is detectable with a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.

The enzyme, which is produced by the glandular tissue of the prostate is always present in the blood.

However, Gerda explained that a reading of three or higher may indicate inflammation of the prostate or even cancer.

She said if there is a family history of prostate or breast cancer then men should go for check-ups from at least 40 years old due to their higher risk of the disease.

“Sons whose fathers have not had prostate cancer should encourage their fathers and other male relatives to go for regular PSA tests from 45 years old.”

PSA tests are available by appointment at Cansa care centres nationwide for R180.

Gerda said costs are kept low to assist with covering the consumables used to conduct the screening.

Patients with medical aid benefits can claim from their medical aids once they have paid for the screening.

Testing can also be done via local health clinics by healthcare practitioners if symptoms are presented.

Besides the link between family members, there is a relationship between prostate cancer, a diet high in animal fat and protein, especially red meat.

Professor Riana Bornman, senior research professor, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Pretoria, said “It’s important for men to go for an annual prostate screening as it improves the chances of detecting prostate cancer in the early stages before it has spread outside the prostate.”

Riana, a Cansa-funded researcher and writer of Research Detective Booklet South African Prostate Cancer Study Survey, said risk factors for prostate cancer include older age, family history of the disease and African ancestry.

“Well-established screening should start from the age of 45 but it should start from the age of 40 in black African men and in men who have a family history of prostate or breast cancer in a first-degree relative,” said Riana.

To further assist men, the association launched its first Cansa’s Men supporting Men Cancer support group.
Launched on November 20, Gerda said what makes this support group special is the fact that it is facilitated and attended by men with different kinds of cancers.

She said the support group will allow men to come together in a space where they can feel comfortable and understood.

If you are a man diagnosed with cancer, are in remission or have been a survivor for some time, visit CANSA for more information about the monthly online sessions.

Alternatively, Cansa offers various support services through its dedicated virtual and online support groups and its tele-counselling line.

Visit CANSA or contact the nearest Cansa care centre, email info@cansa.org.za or call Cansa on 0800 22 66 22 (toll-free).