Addressing men’s health – ‘show cancer the finger’

After all the attention that has been placed on breast cancer during October, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is now placing the spotlight on prostate and testicular cancer its Men’s Health awareness campaign in November. The lifetime risk for prostate cancer in men in South Africa is one in 26 and one in 1 959 for testicular cancer, which is common in young men between the ages of 15 and 39, although it can occur at any age.

Prostate cancer survivor Thulani Sibisi is joining the fight against cancer, by taking education to his community.
“We have to start something to educate people,” says Sibisi. As a former Two Oceans Marathon winner, he prides himself in being fit and healthy, but when he started experiencing difficulty in urinating, along with a burning sensation in 2010, he started to feel concerned. “I went to my family doctor and he told me not to be concerned, so I tried to ignore my symptoms. In 2012 I collapsed, and then only were my symptoms taken more seriously. After some tests, I was told I had stage three prostate cancer,” tells Sibisi.

Reduce the cancer risk

CANSA encourages men to invest in their health and reduce their cancer risk through regular self-examinations, getting screened, as well as leading a balanced lifestyle. Most testicular cancers can be detected early – a lump or swelling may be the first sign that someone should consult a medical practitioner.

‘Many women know that they can do regular breast self-examinations, but men are not aware that they should start testicular self-examinations soon after puberty’, says Lisa Strydom, CANSA’s Regional Manager in Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands. Visit CANSA’s website to get more info on how to do testicular self-examinations. Screening and early detection of prostate cancer is very important which enables more effective treatment and a better chance of recovery.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) prostate tissue. Cancer cells can cause PSA levels in the blood to rise, and that’s why a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) simple blood test can be used to help detect prostate abnormalities. These PSA tests are available at the CANSA Care Centre in Pietermaritzburg.

Tips for men’s health
1. If you are 40 years or older go for an annual PSA screening to detect possible prostate cancer.
2. Do monthly testicular self-examinations, especially between ages of 15 to 39.
3. Don’t smoke. If you currently smoke – get help and quit.
4. Don’t drink more than two standard alcoholic drinks per day.
5. Avoid being overweight.
6. Exercise each day for at least 30 min.
7. Eat at least five portions of vegetables and fruit daily.
8. Limit your meat intake to 300g, four times a week.
9. Avoid food that is fatty, sugary, salty and | or processed.
10. Drink enough safe, clean water every day (six to eight glasses per day).
11. Be safe in the sun, cover up with sunscreen.

As a cancer survivor in remission, Sibisi appeals to all men to not delay being tested for cancers such as prostate and testicular cancer. “If you are experiencing any worrying symptoms, rather be safe and go to your doctor for screening,” concludes Sibisi.