LIFESTYLE NEWS - Knowledge is power and can change the lives of men drastically if they are aware of early warning signs and symptoms of male cancers.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) highlights these symptoms in November in the hope that men will not delay screening. Says Elize Joubert, CANSA’s CEO, “It’s of great concern that the number of men being diagnosed with late-stage cancer is on the rise.
"Men need to be pro-active about their health and should recognise warning signs. We encourage monthly testicular self-examinations, annual medical check-ups and cancer screening for early detection, as symptoms don’t always present until cancer has spread. Men also need to lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle, cutting out lifestyle factors that increase their cancer risk.”
Early detection improves treatment outcomes so CANSA shares knowledge to educate and lower cancer and health risk regarding prostate, colorectal, lung, Kaposi sarcoma (a type of skin cancer), bladder and testicular cancer.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer affects one in 19 men in SA, often developing without any symptoms in the early stages. However, when the disease is advanced, symptoms likely to occur include: straining to pass urine, leaking urine, bloody urine and bone pain.
If prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated early, the prognosis is often good. CANSA recommends regular screening from 40 years and up (especially if there is any family history of cancer) with a blood test called the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test to detect any prostate abnormalities, available at all CANSA Care Centres.
“CANSA is also funding a study conducted by Prof Riana Bornman (University Pretoria) that will contribute to the understanding of prostate cancer risk, disease progression and outcomes specifically in the South African population. We also coordinate the IRONMAN: International Registry for Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer study, funded by Movember and sponsored by the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium. It’s a large global study of 5 000 men, evaluating the treatment and patient-reported outcomes for men with advanced prostate cancer, to determine the best way of managing advanced prostate cancer. It’s being implemented at five sites - Groote Schuur, Tygerberg, Steve Biko, Charlotte Maxeke and Rosebank Oncology,” added Joubert.
Colorectal cancer
It’s estimated that one in 79 men have a lifetime risk of getting colorectal cancer. CANSA recommends a colonoscopy from the age of 50, every 10 years. Look out for symptoms of a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, stomach pain, weakness and weight loss.
A side effect of colorectal cancer may include having a colostomy. CANSA offers pre- and post-operative counselling and support groups and stocks stoma brands and provides the lowest prices and delivery.
Lung cancer
Symptoms often appear when the disease is advanced and may include shortness of breath, cough, a change in sputum, chest pain, noisy breathing, hoarseness and coughing up blood. In men who stop smoking, the risk of developing lung cancer falls dramatically. Men wanting to quit smoking can sign up for CANSA’s Kick Butt online programme on cansa.org.za.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) highlights these symptoms in November in the hope that men will not delay screening.
Kaposi Sarcoma
The most common AIDS-related cancer worldwide is Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) with one in 320 men having a lifetime risk of diagnosis. It causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin, in the lining of the mouth, nose, throat or in other organs. About one-third of people with classic KS develop another cancer which may be fatal.
CANSA is funding a study conducted at the University of Cape Town by Dr Georgia Schafer to understand the epidemiology of the KS burden in the South African population with a high background HIV/Aids prevalence. It will provide new opportunities for the development of risk evaluation of KS.
Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer is the fifth most common affecting men in SA with a lifetime risk of one in 152 men being diagnosed. The biggest factor that may reduce the risk of bladder cancer is to avoid smoking, which doubles the risk of bladder cancer. Although no screening is available, if there is blood in the urine, a change in urine colour or the need to go frequently and/or burning pain, men are urged to go to a medical professional.
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men between the ages of 15 and 49. Early detection may help improve survival rates and testicular self-examination each month is an easy and effective way for men to look out for any unusual or abnormal signs. These include lumps, swelling and pain in the testicles and scrotum.
Testi-monials is a campaign created by FCB Cape Town for CANSA that set out to remove the awkwardness around talking about testicular cancer and drive awareness about how important it is that men not only talk balls but take care of them too. The campaign features ‘testicles’ giving their own testi-monials about cancer and how they have been personally affected. They give advice on how to self-examine and help detect signs and symptoms for more info.
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