Johannesburg – Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer impacting men around the world and a key focus for Men’s Health Awareness Month in November.
According to statistics, it’s the second most frequent type after lung cancer and the fifth leading cause of death, following lung, liver, colorectal, and stomach cancer.
In sub-Saharan Africa, available data show that the total estimated prostate cancer cases in 2020 were 77 300 in over 40 countries, and the current number of cases has risen to 103 050, making it the leading cause of cancer in men in the region.
With the cancer having the potential to be damaging and even deadly, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies, has shared essential steps that men should take to protect their health.
Get Checked Early
Men may not know they have prostate cancer because it often develops slowly, and it can be a significant time before they may experience any issues or symptoms.
Problems can include urine issues or pelvic pain.
Men aged over 40, especially those who have family members treated for prostate cancer, shouldn’t wait until any signs appear and should get checked early by a doctor to have the best chance for successful treatment if detected.
Understand Your Screening Options
There are different tests to check if you have prostate cancer. Prostate Specific Antigen, better known as PSA, is one test that measures PSA levels in blood, and high levels could be a sign of prostate cancer.
PSA levels can also be high due to non-cancer conditions such as a urinary tract infection or a benign enlarged prostate.
A Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is another option, offering a quick clinical check for prostate abnormalities.
Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, can help reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer.
Men should aim for 30 minutes of physical activity every day in order to stay fit, maintain a healthy weight and improve their health – factors that can help regulate their hormones.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A nutritious diet plays a vital role in both prevention and recovery. SGU recommends:
- Eating at least five portions of fruits and green vegetables daily.
- Including starchy foods such as rice, pasta, bread, and potatoes.
- Replacing processed meats with lean protein sources like fish and legumes.
- Reducing high-fat dairy products and limiting processed or unhealthy foods.
- A balanced diet helps regulate body weight and supports long-term health.
Limit Alcohol Consumption and Quit Smoking
Lifestyle habits significantly impact cancer risk. Consuming alcohol can increase the risk of some types of cancer, and medical professionals advise that men should not drink more than two units a day, helping enhance their overall health.
While smoking can increase the risk of health problems such as heart disease, there is also evidence that it can be linked to advanced prostate cancer.
Men should visit their doctor to get advice and receive support on how to quit smoking.
Prostate cancer awareness is not only about detection but also prevention.
Through early screening, healthy living, and informed choices, men can take meaningful steps to reduce their risks and safeguard their long-term health.
With Men’s Health Awareness Month serving as a timely reminder, St. George’s University emphasises the importance of education, prevention, and proactive healthcare for men across the African region.
For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website.
