Movember call for men to check their prostate health

SIXTY-YEAR-OLD David Lucas – an ordinary Johannesburg man – has one thing in common with greats like Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.

He‚ like the South African icons‚ was diagnosed with prostate cancer – the most common cancer for South African men.

Ahead of the annual Movember campaign‚ which encourages men to grow moustaches during November to raise funds and create awareness about male cancers‚ the Men’s Foundation has urged South African men to get screened‚ particularly for prostrate cancer.

More than 4 000 men are diagnosed with the condition annually.

When detected early‚ survival rates are better than 98%. Found late‚ those rates drop below 26%.

“There is a lack of awareness and general knowledge about prostate cancer. Know the facts and take action early‚” Garron Gsell‚ chief executive and founder of the Men’s Foundation‚ which manages the Movember campaign in South Africa, said.

“When it comes to their health‚ too many men don’t talk and don’t take action. The tragedy is that many men have died early and unnecessarily because they didn’t reach out for help when they needed it.”

Movember is a global men’s health charity‚ focusing on prostate and testicular cancer‚ mental health and suicide prevention.

“Know your family history and if you notice something isn’t feeling right‚ don’t put it off and hope it goes away.

“Annual health checks are vital‚ along with a monthly testicular self-examination which can help you . . . note any changes‚” Gsell said. –