Durban North resident, CANSA member favours launch of online men’s support group

CANSA will host a Prostate Cancer Webinar on November 18 to discuss the experience of a prostate cancer patient in South Africa. Experts in the respective fields will also share their guidance and experience.

The organisation will also launch a Men Supporting Men support group on Saturday, November 27.

“We welcome all prostate cancer patients, survivors and loved ones to join us. What makes this support group special is the fact that it is facilitated and attended by men with different kinds of cancers. The need for men to come together in a space where they can feel comfortable and understood will be an opportunity for many men to reach out and join these online monthly sessions. We welcome all men who have cancer, are in remission or who have been a survivor for some time,” said CANSA’s Head of Service, Gerda Strauss.

CANSA also offers various support services through our dedicated virtual and online support groups, as well as its tele counselling line for men affected by cancer.

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Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men globally, and the number one cancer affecting all South African men (National Cancer Registry 2017), with one in 17 men being at risk for diagnosis in their lifetime. International and local research indicates that the risk for aggressive prostate cancer is higher in black, African men.

“It’s vital to note that prostate cancer tends to run in families,” said Strauss.

CANSA encourages men to get to know their family history of cancer and symptoms, not delaying age-appropriate prostate screening, as many men die unnecessarily from the disease due to late diagnosis. Prostate cancer is detectable with a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.

Prostate Specific Antigen PSA is a normal enzyme produced by the glandular tissue of the prostate – it’s always present in the blood, however, a reading of three or higher may indicate inflammation of the prostate or even cancer. If a father, brother or son has had prostate cancer, he needs to encourage other males in his family to go for check-ups from at least 40, due to their higher risk of the disease.

“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 own health by going for prostate screening, but to also encourage other male relatives (and friends) to get checked. There is a relationship between a diet high in animal fat and protein (especially red meat), and prostate cancer,” she said.

“Sons whose fathers have not had prostate cancer should encourage their fathers to go for regular PSA tests from the age of 45, as well as grandfathers, uncles, family friends, neighbours or even colleagues,” she added.

PSA tests are available, by appointment, at CANSA Care Centres nationwide for R180.

Register for the webinar at www.cansa.org.za to register. More details on the support group will be available on CANSA’s website soon.