Women are important health promotors when it comes to urging men to get screened for prostate cancer.

An average of five South African men die from prostate cancer every day, yet early detection of this disease could mean a 95% chance of survival.

Global research shows that men consistently underutilise preventive health care services compared to women. This situation doesn’t seem to be any different in South Africa.

A study conducted by Professor Shingai Mutambirwa, a founding member of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa (PCF), found that one of the main reasons why women outlive men by an average of six years is because women tend to take better care of their health.

Prof Mutambirwa is Head of Department of Urology at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) in Pretoria. He says that men tend to pay less attention to their health and are more inclined to ignore the warning signs of disease.

“The fact that us males see our physicians five times fewer in our lives than females do is definitely one of the reasons why men are more likely to die from cancer,” he says. “Basically, guys don’t take their health as seriously as females do,” he says. “And given that the two leading causes of death worldwide are cardiovascular disease and cancer, this is something that needs to be addressed”.

Studies have found that although both men and women recognise that cancer screenings are effective, a higher percentage of men have never been for a cancer screening before. This is despite the fact that 1 in 6 South African men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime and an early diagnosis could mean a 95% chance of being cured.

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) reports with great concern that the number of men being diagnosed with late-stage cancer is on the rise.

“A Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)  blood test at your health care practitioner or clinic takes only a couple of seconds and could potentially save your life,” says Joani Sadie, Corporate Relationship Manager at CANSA.

Annual PSA testing should begin in men from the age of 40 who are at a higher risk for prostate cancer. This includes Black men who have a 60% higher risk for prostate cancer and are 2.5 times more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men. Men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop prostate cancer themselves and should also be screened annually from the age of 40, as should men who have any first-degree female relatives diagnosed with breast cancer. All other men should be screened annually from the age of 45.

“Women tend to be better than men at going for regular health checks, including important cancer screenings such as pap smears and mammograms,” says CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Andrew Oberholzer. “We are grateful to all the women who have male partners over forty and who encourage them to go for a PSA blood test. This simple screening test can help to detect prostate cancer in the early stages, when treatments are potentially curable. Men tend to forget how important regular health screenings are, so these reminders from their partners can help to ensure that they make that important appointment,” he says.

The annual Hollard Daredevil Run plays an important role in raising awareness about prostate and testicular cancer. Once again this year, thousands of men nationally will be running 5km dressed only in a purple speedo on Friday 13 October, with all proceeds going to CANSA and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa.

“The Hollard Daredevil Run, now in its 13th year, promotes male cancer awareness and the fact that early detection of both prostate and testicular cancer can save lives,” says Joanna Mondon, Head of Brand and Advertising at Hollard. “The beauty of this event is that it not only attracts the attention of men and boys, but also of the wider population, reaching communities around the country to spread this important message”.

Follow Daredevil Run on Facebook to keep up to date with information about this year’s event and more about how to participate. Go to https://prostate-ca.co.za/ and https://cansa.org.za/ for more information about prostate and testicular cancer.