Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men after lung cancer.
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system and surrounds part of the urethra.
Prostate cancer often has no early symptoms, however, if advanced, it can cause men to urinate more frequently or struggle with a weaker flow.
Melissa Knox, from St Bernard’s Hospice, said it was more likely to occur in men with a family history of prostate cancer and among older men, though young men could also get it.
Risk factors include smoking, being overweight and not getting enough exercise.
“It [prostate cancer] can happen from as early as 40. Men also tend to think if they can’t feel or see a tumour, it must mean they do not have cancer.
“Prostate cancer is highly asymptomatic and varies from person to person,” she said.
This means early detection and regular screening are vital life-saving measures and St Bernard’s Hospice encourages men to test frequently with their healthcare providers.
Jasmin Obaray, from the Border Coastal branch of the South African Medical Association, said in the Eastern Cape, encouraging men to get screened regularly was a challenge due to misconceptions about prostate cancer.
Obaray said fears of erectile dysfunction inhibited some men from getting the help they needed.
However, she said surgery for prostate cancer had a high success rate, with most patients’ not struggling with erectile dysfunction thereafter.
“When you receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer, many feelings are experienced including disbelief, fear, anger, anxiety and depression.
“For starters, we would suggest men learn enough about prostate cancer to feel comfortable making treatment decisions.”
For Hospice to provide palliative care for cancer patients, it required regular donations, Knox said.
Even small monthly contributions went a long way in helping patients.
