Know your prostate
Prostate cancer is caused by changes in the DNA of a normal prostate cell and DNA is inherited from one’s parents.
A small percentage, about five to 10 percent, of prostate cancers is linked to these inherited changes.
Prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers in males worldwide. It is the most prevalent cancer among white South African males.
However, recent statistics indicate that black males are at increased risk of prostate cancer and often develop an aggressive type of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer occurs when some of the cells in the prostate reproduce quicker than normal, resulting in a tumour.
If left untreated, these cells may spread from the prostate and invade the rest of the body, particularly the lymph nodes and bones, producing more tumours in a process known as metastasis.
One of the most worrying aspects of the disease is that most prostate cancers develop without men experiencing any symptoms in the early stages.
Possible symptoms include:
- Urinary issues.
- Blood in the urine or semen.
- Reduced ability to get an erection.
- Painful ejaculation.
If you have any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor to get tested. It is important to note that these symptoms are also common in other illnesses.
Cancer screening aims to detect cancer before symptoms appear. This may involve blood tests, urine tests or medical imaging.
The benefits of screening in terms of prevention, early detection and subsequent treatment are enormous and Cansa encourages all men to have regular screenings.
Screening for prostate cancer includes a digital rectal exam and a prostate specific antigen blood test.
Men in the Bedfordview and Edenvale areas are reminded that the NEWS, together with Hirsch’s Meadowdale, are holding a competition to crown the ultimate Mo Bro.
The winner will receive a Weber One-touch 57cm braai.
To enter the competition, email a before and after photo of your moustache to Daniel Seleme at dseleme@caxton.co.za or like the www.facebook.com/bedfordviewandedenvalenewsFacebook page and share your photo on the page by midnight on November 26.
The photos we receive by email will be uploaded onto the News’ Facebook page, for the community to vote for their favourite Mo Bro.
Voting will open at 12-noon on November 27 and close midnight on November 28.
The winner will be announced at the NEWS’ and Hirsch’s shavathon, to be held on November 29 at Hirsch’s Meadwdale, at 10am.
For more information, contact Daniel on 011 916-5349.
