FOR men, the word ‘prostate’ inevitably conjures up the unpleasant image of an unsympathetic, no-nonsense doctor with a menacing-looking gloved hand.
It’s not something men like to think about, especially those who have lived through the experience of a full-blown prostate exam.
But it’s not all doom and gloom.
For a few years now men around the world have been able to check the status of their prostate with a painless procedure call a Prostate-Specific Antigen, or PSA, test.
The test consists of having a blood sample taken which is then sent off to a lab for testing to detect the possibility of developing prostate cancer.
Easy-peasy!
CANSA uThungulu, as part of men’s cancer awareness during this month of Movember, will on Saturday be providing this potentially life-saving test to members of the public.
Targeting males over 40 years of age, the aim is to encourage men to undergo a PSA test.
Qualified nurses will be on hand at the Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre (near Woolworths) on 19 November between 9am and 1pm.
The procedure is quick and painless and the message is: ‘A simple blood test could save your life’.
‘An increased level reading does not necessarily point towards cancer; it could be owing to non-cancerous growths, irritation, enlargement of the prostate or inflammation,’ said CANSA uThungulu Community Mobiliser Lizelle van Zyl.
‘But why take a chance? As with all cancers, early detection can be the difference between life and death.
‘It can also make a major difference to one’s sexual life, which adds to the importance of having the test.
’This might also be a determining factor in getting men to participate in large numbers!’
CANSA is asking participants to donate R100 if possible to cover the costs of the tests and the promotion.
For more information or to volunteer to help fill in forms on the day, call Lizelle on 035 7725677 or 079 1718159.
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