The month of November marks Men’s Health Awareness globally, with Saturday the 19th recognised as International Men’s Day, which recognises the positive value men bring to their families and communities through good health and well-being.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) has highlighted the importance of top five leading cancers affecting men in the country, urging men to go for regular check-ups throughout the year.
“Men should be proactive about their health,” said Lorraine Govender, Cansa’s national manager of health promotion. “Cansa encourages monthly testicular self-examinations, annual check-ups and cancer screening for early detection, as symptoms don’t always present until cancer has spread. The number of men being diagnosed with late-stage cancer is increasing, which is alarming.”
Prostate cancer remains the number 1 cancer among men, with one in 15 men at risk, according to 2019 statistics from the National Cancer Registry (NCR). It often grows slowly and may not cause significant harm, but some types are more aggressive and can spread quickly without treatment.
Early screening and detection enable more effective treatment and a better chance at recovery. Cansa recommends routine Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests annually, from age 40 for all men at risk to detect prostate abnormalities. High PSA levels may indicate inflammation of the prostate or even cancer. The PSA test may be accompanied by a digital rectal exam. PSA tests are available, by appointment, at Cansa Care Centres nationwide at affordable rates.
Cancer survivor Andreas Kleynhans, diagnosed with grade-1 prostate cancer after a routine check-up, said: “Prostate cancer was a big shock, since I was healthy throughout my life. Seven months later the cancer had metastasised (spread) to the hip bone and was now grade-4, meaning this type of cancer could not be healed, but only slowed down and symptoms managed.”
His advice to men: “Please test PSA levels regularly. Prostate cancer is very curable when it’s detected early. And even when it’s advanced as mine, there is hope. Yes, a digital rectal exam is a bit awkward the first time, but it’s necessary. In the end it’s all about how you think about it and what it can mean for your health. You can’t determine what happens to you, but you can decide how to react to it. I choose to tell my story and make something positive of it.”
Colorectal or colon cancer is the second most common cancer in men, with one in 77 diagnosed according to NCR 2019. There is evidence of many younger individuals diagnosed with it.
Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in men and ranks as the number 1 cause of cancer deaths. There is low awareness of lung cancer in SA, which is why Cansa provides lung cancer information and implements health campaigns to increase education and awareness.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) is cancer of the lymphoid tissue, which includes the lymph nodes, spleen and other organs of the immune system. It’s the fourth most common cancer in men and it’s estimated one in 176 men will develop NHL, according to NCR 2019.
Melanoma has replaced bladder cancer as the fifth most common in men, with one in 168 men at risk in their lifetime, showing an overall increase in skin cancer numbers. This may be due to improved screening methods or an overall increase in these numbers. Melanoma is less common than other skin cancers, but it’s the most dangerous.
“Early detection is key when it comes to beating cancer,” Govender pointed out. “Recognise changes in your own body and act on any changes or symptoms that develop, and go for regular screening.”
David Lucas, a prostate cancer survivor and Cansa Relay For Life Global Hero of Hope, encouraged men to reach out for support and use services such as Cansa’s Men Supporting Men groups.
“When it comes to men I have found once they see you are open about your challenges they become more relaxed and freer in asking questions, relaying their fears and anxieties as well as dealing with a disease that has a worldwide brotherhood,” he said.
Govender urged people to contact a local Cansa Care Centre to access the support offered. “If you or a loved one, have been diagnosed with cancer, contact your local care centre to access Cansa’s care and support programmes, such as medical equipment hire, wigs, counselling, tele-counselling, support groups, online support groups and resources as well as Cansa Care Homes, where patients receiving treatment far from home can stay during treatment.”
For more information or to get support visit www.cansa.org.za, call 0800 226 622 or email info@cansa.org.za.
