Only a prick to detect prostate problems
It is estimated that 1 in every 23 South African men who reach the age of 74 will develop prostate cancer.
NELSPRUIT – Many men has been boasting much hairier faces than normal this month. In creating awareness of men’s health worldwide, the Movember initiative was launched. Normally cleanshaven men would grow moustaches to raise awareness of health issues affecting them specifically, including cancer of the testes and prostate.
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa), prostate cancer is the most common cancer in black South African men and the second most common in white men. It is estimated that 1 in every 23 South African men who reach the age of 74 will develop this disease.
The prostate gland is located immediately below the bladder and just in front of the bowel. It forms part of the male reproductive system and it mainly produces fluid to protect and enrich sperm.
When some of the cells reproduce at an increased rate, a tumour forms. If left untreated, prostate cancer cells can metastasise to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes.
“International variations in prostate cancer frequency suggest that both environmental and genetic factors play a role,” according to Dr Chantel Babb. “Older age and a family history of prostate cancer has long been recognized as known risk factors.”
There are often no symptoms of early prostate cancer. Cansa propagates early detection as one of the best ways to beat the disease in any of its guises. To assist men with detecting problems, the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test has been developed.
It takes only a finger prick to draw a drop of blood to perform the test. The test can indicate any problems with a prostate, and serves as an indication for men to undergo further testing.
The test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, present in the blood. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is generally accepted that the higher a man’s PSA level, the more likely it is
that he has prostate cancer. However, can be reasons other than cancer for elevated PSA levels, while some men with prostate cancer do not have elevated PSA.
Locally, Sis Rona Labuschagne from Lowveld Cansa has been promoting the tests. Not to leave the women out, they also perform breast examinations for women at R40 and pap-smears at R160, which includes a free breast examination. Enquiries: 013-741-5441.
