The Cancer Association of South Africa

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Just a Prick will do the Trick

Yes, you read right! - CANSA is encouraging all gents aged 45 years and up to do the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test to screen for prostate abnormalities. All it takes is a prick to draw some blood and set your mind at ease. If you are 40 and have a history of prostate cancer on either your mother or father’s side, or have a first-degree relative (father, brother, son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age, we are calling on you too!

What is the Prostate?

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland of the male reproductive system, located just below the bladder.

What is PSA?

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) prostate tissue. High PSA levels may indicate inflammation of the prostate or even cancer.

Testing PSA Levels

A blood test can establish if PSA levels are raised. PSA tests are available at most CANSA Care Centres across the country.

CANSA is also excited to launch its new partnership with Pharmacy at Spar, with CANSA offering cancer risk-reduction screenings at selected Pharmacy at Spar branches nationwide. CANSA’s professional nursing staff are ready to kick off this partnership with a PSA screening special for R150 to celebrate men in the month of November. PSA testing is also available at public health care centres.

According to the National Cancer Registry (2014), the lifetime risk for prostate cancer in men in South Africa, is 1 in 19. All it takes is a simple blood test to put your mind at rest, so don’t delay and get screened as soon as possible! Visit www.dontfearthefinger.co.za to book your appointment online.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer often grows very slowly and may not cause significant harm, but some types are more aggressive and can spread quickly without treatment. Early detection can ensure the best possible treatment outcome.

Athlone Grootboom, prostate cancer Survivor and member of CANSA Survivors – Champions of Hope Facebook Support Group: "Prostate cancer is not a walk in the park. I was diagnosed 3 and a half years ago. I went through several surgeries, tests, radiation and chemotherapy with its side effects. It's a long road and a learning process. It's better to get the recommended PSA tests!"

Symptoms

In the early stages, men may have no symptoms. This is why regular screening of PSA levels is so important.

Later, symptoms can include frequent passing of urine, especially at night; difficulty starting or stopping urination; weak or interrupted urinary stream; painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation; blood in urine or semen. Advanced cancer can cause deep pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms please consult your medical practitioner without delay. The earlier treatment starts, the higher the chance that it will be successful.

Dennis Feldman, prostate cancer Survivor, and member of CANSA Survivors – Champions of Hope Facebook Support Group: “My physician included a PSA test when I turned 50. At age 60 he called me to say I had elevated PSA levels and should see my urologist. After a biopsy six months later, I was diagnosed with early stages of prostate cancer. I HAD NO SYMPTOMS WHATSOEVER. If my physician had not annually included the PSA test, I would not have known I had cancer. I had surgery in 2012 and have had a PSA of 0.02 since then. I have had NO side effects. EARLY DETECTION IS A MUST. Many men are afraid to have a PSA test - please don't; it can save your life.”

Who is at Risk?

Risk factors for prostate cancer include age, family history, being obese or overweight and some dietary factors appear to increase risk.

International and local research also indicates that ethnicity is a risk factor, with the risk for aggressive prostate cancer being higher in black men. Read media release…

Gavin Tearne, prostate cancer Survivor and member of CANSA Survivors – Champions of Hope Facebook Support Group: “My PSA count doubled at age 54. Every male should go for yearly check up!”

Reducing Risk

Living a balanced lifestyle can help bring down your cancer risk significantly. Lower your risk of prostate cancer by eating a healthy diet (including lots of fruit and vegetables), maintaining a healthy weight and limiting red meat and high fat dairy products.

Research

CANSA is investing in research in the high incidence of prostate cancer and is funding the Southern African Prostate Cancer study (SAPCS) conducted at the University of Pretoria. This study will contribute to understanding of prostate cancer risk, disease progression and outcomes specifically in the South African population. CANSA is also coordinating the IRONMAN (International Registry for Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer) study, funded by Movember Foundation and sponsored by the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium. It will contribute to a large global study of 5000 men, evaluating the treatment and patient-reported outcomes for men with advanced prostate cancer. #CANSAResearch

Recently Diagnosed?

If you've recently been diagnosed with cancer, we'd like to encourage you to reach out for counselling and support. It’s as easy as making an appointment at your local CANSA Care Centre to see one of our social workers, or to attend one of our support groups. You can even join our online support programme iSurvivor, or sign up as a member of our CANSA Survivors - Champions of Hope Facebook Support Group. You don’t have to deal with this on your own!

Now that you have the facts, it’s time to ACT!

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