Men to Take Advantage of Cancer Screening Available

November 6, 2020

This November, CANSA calls on men to be responsible for their health and to take advantage of cancer screening available at CANSA Care Centres. The five leading cancers affecting men* according to the 2016 National Cancer Registry (NCR) are prostate, colorectal, lung, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and bladder cancer.

Gerda Strauss CANSA’s Head: Service says, “While it’s not possible to screen for all of these cancers, men can take advantage of screening that is available. The lifetime risk for prostate cancer for men in SA is 1 in 17 (NCR 2016). Men need not be fearful of invasive screening when a simple Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test can determine prostate specific antigen levels and if they are at risk of prostate cancer. Early detection improves treatment outcomes, so we urge men, over 40 years not to delay and to take advantage of our reduced screening fee for PSA testing at local CANSA Care Centres this November.”

Men can also watch the Hello FCB video ‘Don’t Fear the Finger’ to help calm their nerves and provide a bit of humour. It’s especially important to go for cancer screening where there is a family history of cancer. Men aged 40 with a history of prostate cancer on either the mother or father’s side, or with a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than 65 years), should go for screening, and from the age of 45, all other men should too.

Another risk factor to be aware of, is the potential increased risk for prostate cancer developing when there a family history of first-degree female relatives diagnosed with breast cancer linked to BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation (first degree relatives include a mother, grandmother, sisters and aunts).

“CANSA will also be conducting a survey among prostate cancer patients to determine how to better support them and we encourage all men to please participate so that we can help find better ways of engaging and helping men cope with a cancer diagnosis,” added Strauss.

Men can lower their risk of prostate and colorectal cancer by eating a balanced diet (including lots of fruit and vegetables), maintaining a healthy weight and limiting red meat and high fat dairy products. One of the biggest risk factors for lung and bladder cancer is smoking. Men can lower their risk for these cancers by avoiding tobacco and related products.

While testicular cancer affects fewer men, it has a higher incidence in younger men with the lifetime risk being 1 in 1 436 according to the 2016 NCR. Regular monthly self-examinations can help detect this cancer early. Men from the ages of 15 to 49 need to examine their testicles, preferably after a bath or shower, to feel for any pea-sized lumps that could indicate testicular cancer. Find instructions on doing a self-examination on the CANSA website.

Strauss concludes, “It’s important that men diagnosed with cancer realise they need not face it alone. CANSA provides a counselling service dedicated to providing advice to cancer survivors and patients. Speak to a counsellor at your local CANSA Care Centre or call our Help Desk on 0800 22 6622 to make an appointment for Tele Counselling, or email us at counselling@cansa.org.za. You can also join our Champions of Hope Facebook Group for cancer Survivors and chat to peers who are facing similar challenges.”

For more information visit www.cansa.org.za or contact the nearest CANSA Care Centre, call CANSA toll-free 0800 22 66 22 or email: info@cansa.org.za

*excluding melanoma

(For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA at email lbalona@cansa.org.za. Call 011 616 7662 or mobile 082 459 5230.)

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Cervical cancer continues to take too many lives in South Africa

Let’s talk about cervical cancer

August 29, 2025

HPV prevention saves lives and eases healthcare burdens. “Everyone benefits when more women are vaccinated,” says Dr Nono Ledwaba-Mweli.

The importance of sleep during pregnancy

Playtime in utero: Why pregnant moms have trouble sleeping

August 20, 2025

Obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Mokgohloe Phasha stresses the importance of sleep during pregnancy.

Alondwe freed from the weight of tumours

August 14, 2025

Ten-year-old Alondwe Ngwenya was, until recently, a child set apart by large, painful tumours disfiguring one side of his face and his foot, holding him back from his greatest passion in life: soccer.

Dr Muhammed Ra’ees Vally reveals why kids are prone to ear infections and shares key tips

Tips for parents on recognising kids’ ear infections

August 10, 2025

Dr Muhammed Ra’ees Vally explains why children are more susceptible to ear infections and shares tips on recognising the signs and preventing complications.

Damp in the home can pose fungal health risk

August 1, 2025

“Mould exposure, particularly in poorly ventilated indoor environments, can lead to a variety of health symptoms — especially for individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, allergies, or weakened immune systems,” warns Dr Raisa Bhikoo, a pulmonologist and specialist physician.

Dr Letlhogonolo Sepeng, paediatric neonatologist

What moms need to know: Weaning from breastfeeding

July 23, 2025

For many first-time mothers, the idea of weaning can feel overwhelming. paediatric neonatologist Dr Letlhogonolo Sepeng from Netcare Park Lane Hospital offers guidance to help navigate this transition.

Dr Wilhelm Lichteberg, Baby Kendreya and parents

When every breath counted, strangers stepped in to save Baby Kendreya

July 8, 2025

Cardiothoracic surgeon and founder of the Young Hearts Africa Foundation, Dr Wilhelm Lichtenberg, has made it his life’s purpose to reach children with life-threatening heart defects like Baby Kendreya Pillay's before it is too late. Since its inception in 2023, the foundation has helped 30 children.