Men encouraged to live healthy lifestyles to reduce cancer risk
PARKTOWN – A seminar to discuss prostate and testicular cancer was held at the BDO offices in Parktown with Parktown Boys' High School learner Dean Fin as one of the two presenters.
A few gentlemen did not shy away from the invitation to discuss prostate and testicular cancer at an awareness seminar.
Parktown Boys’ High School head boy, Dean Fin and CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Andrew Oberholzer joined hands in driving the seminar.
Wian Kriel, who is the head of human resources at BDO in Parktown, where the seminar was held, said the subject is an important matter for both young boys and men. Kriel introduced Oberholzer as the first speaker.
Oberholzer said a lot of factors come into play when dealing with prostate cancer. “Environmental factors are a risk factor in South Africa because one cannot go a distance without seeing a fast-food outlet. We, however, have a choice on what we eat and how regularly we exercise,” said Oberholzer.
He also said one of the other contributors are the hereditary factors, so people should know their parents’ medical history and then advise their general practitioners (GPs) and find out when they should start screening and testing for different cancers and diseases.
Fin emphasised on the concept of choices and said that he had chosen this path because it is his passion and drive to create awareness on such projects as his grandfather, as well as a colleague, had been diagnosed with cancer.
Speaking of testicular cancer, Fin said, “Two thousand three-hundred men are diagnosed with testicular cancer every year with 15 to 49-year-olds being the most common ages.
“It takes place in the testicles and can develop within three stages. More people need to get down to business and check downstairs for any discomfort or irregularities in the testicles.”
Both speakers agreed that people should do the following to reduce the high risk of cancer:
- Eat more polyunsaturated and monosaturated fats which are fats obtained from natural sources such as vegetables and fish.
- Adding additional salt is not recommended
- Eat about 10 portions of fruit and vegetables per day
- Avoid anything that leads to being overweight.
Details: BDO www.bdo.co.za
Parktown Boys’ High School 011 642 4531.
Is your school running a seminar? Email details of the seminar to the editor at ashtynm@caxton.co.za
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