Every new year brings fresh ambitions … moving more, eating better, and finally slowing down. But real self-care isn’t just about lifestyle changes; it’s about being proactive with our health.
Presently, prostate cancer is the top cancer affecting South African men and the second deadliest. Early detection is crucial for any cancer, but it’s particularly important when it comes to prostate cancer, which often develops without obvious early symptoms. That’s why regular check-ups and a simple Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test play a vital role in early diagnosis and improving treatment outcomes.
This is what you need to know about prostate cancer:
- High-Risk Groups: Men of African heritage are at a higher risk, often developing the disease younger and in more aggressive forms. Research suggests one in six men in this demographic will get prostate cancer, compared to one in eight white men.
- Genetics and Treatment: Genetic testing is emerging as a tool to assess risk and aggression. Inherited genetic mutations, like the BRCA 2 gene, increase risk. Testing for certain somatic genetic mutations can identify men who may benefit from new treatment options such as Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors.
- Family Impact: Identifying inherited mutations early can benefit a man’s children or siblings, allowing relatives to opt for proactive screening and potentially avoid late-stage disease.
Find out more by visiting Johnson & Johnson or the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa.
