Prostate cancer: recognising the signs
Men over 50 must take a prostate-specific antigen blood test regularly
As we wrote two weeks ago, this is the month of Movember, a fundraising initiative started in Australia in order to raise awareness (“Movember ’ s hairy history”, November 5).
On average, South African men die six years earlier than women. Prostate cancer rates are expected to double within the next 15 years while rates of testicular cancer have already doubled over the last 50.
Besides, nearly half a million men take their lives every year due to unreported or undersupported mental health issues.
Organisations such as the Men’s Foundation of South Africa work to raise awareness about these issues and help communities fight back against concerns affecting men that are often ignored or downplayed due to out-dated patriarchal ideals that discourage men from seeking help.
Clinical and radiation oncologist at Cancercare Dr
Jörn Malan says all men should have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test at least once a year from the age of 50, and should test earlier if they have a family history of prostate cancer. A rectal examination is also vital.
“The PSA blood test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by both cancerous and non-cancerous tissue in the prostate.
“The higher the count, the more suspicious it is but one
must also be aware that one can have cancer with a normal PSA count,” said Malan.
This is why rectal examinations by a qualified GP or urologist are so important.
“Symptoms of prostate cancer are often confused for
‘ normal’, age-related bodily changes,” he said.
A tumor puts pressure on the bladder pipe which can lead to slower urination, having to urinate often at night, weak erections and impotence.
There are ways to reduce
your risk of prostate cancer, such as eating a balanced diet and frequent exercise.
For Malan, there are two things which can really make a difference: “Don’t smoke and see your GP or urologist for regular screenings.”