This September, Prostate Cancer Awareness month, The Urology Hospital will participate in the “I took the Test” campaign in partnership with Astellas and The Prostate Cancer Foundation by providing free PSA tests.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in SA and showing significant increases. The lifetime risk for prostate cancer in men in South Africa is approximately 1 in 4 for Black African men and 1 in 8 for white males.  International and local research indicates that the risk for aggressive prostate cancer is higher in black men.

Race is a major risk factor for prostate cancer, with black African men having a 60 percent increased risk for prostate cancer. They’re also about 2,5 times more likely to die from the disease than other races. “It is greatly recommended that men of African origin screen from the age of 40 and that other ethnic groups start from 45. Early detection is key and those with a family history of prostate cancer should be screened often.”” says Malcolm Anthony, Chief Executive Officer at the Urology Hospital.

“There are usually no symptoms of prostate cancer in the early stages. Screening regularly may have the benefit of early cancer detection when it is still potentially curable. Once it has metastasized there is no cure.”, says Andrew Oberholzer CEO of The Prostate Cancer Foundation.

The PSA test is a blood test to assist in the detection of prostate abnormalities. A high PSA score can be due to prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate, or an infection. The PSA is best done together with a digital rectal examination.

Requirements for free testing at The Urology Hospital, Pretoria on allocated dates:

Men from the age of 40 in the black community and who have a family history of prostate and/or breast cancer in a first degree relative.

Men from the age of 45 years for all other races.

Testing is not for patients who have been diagnosed and/or treated for prostate cancer.

Date:

• Friday 16th September between 10am - 4pm
• Saturday 17th September between 9am - 2pm

Venue: The Urology Hospital, Pretoria

Address: 1162 Corner Grosvenor St &, Pretorius St, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028