According to the specialised cancer research agency of the World Health Organisation, Globocan, prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in SA. 

It is also the second most deadly cancer in SA men after lung cancer. 

“Despite these facts, awareness about prostate cancer remains worryingly low in South Africa,” says Andrew Oberholzer, CEO, Prostate Cancer Foundation. 

“This is particularly concerning given the risk SA men face. One in four black men and one in eight white men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

“Black African men face a 60% higher risk of developing prostate cancer than white men, and are 2.5 times more likely to die from the disease,” explains Oberholzer.

 What is even more concerning is that black African men are more prone to develop an aggressive form of prostate cancer than black American men. 

“Studies across Africa are seeking to identify the genetic factors that could help explain this increased risk,” says Oberholzer.

Symptoms

Prostate cancer starts in the prostate, a small gland in men that is found just below the bladder. 

Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms, which is why screening is so important for early detection.

Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, bone pain, weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue.

Prostate cancer is not common in men under 40, but the risk increases with age.

Having close relatives with prostate cancer, especially a father or brother, can significantly increase a man’s risk of developing it and the younger the relative was when they were diagnosed, the higher the risk. 

A family history of breast cancer is also associated with increased prostate cancer risk. 

Inherited genetic factors are estimated to account for up to 57% of a man’s susceptibility to developing the disease.

Detection
 
When prostate cancer is detected early and treated, before it has spread beyond the prostate, more than 99% of men are still alive five years after diagnosis.

 Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein made by the prostate. A simple blood test can measure PSA levels, which can help detect prostate cancer early. 
 
Awareness initiatives such as the annual Hollard Daredevil Run play an important role in getting more SA men talking about prostate cancer and taking action when it comes to screening.

Hollard Daredevil Run

Funds raised through the Hollard Daredevil Run, which takes place this year on 23 October, support the work of the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), helping to raise awareness about both prostate and testicular cancers.

 For more information and registration details about the 2026 Hollard Daredevil Run, go to https://www.hollard.co.za/daredevilrun.

For more information about the Prostate Cancer go to https://prostate-ca.co.za/ and https://cansa.org.za/prostate-cancer/.