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The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has revealed that prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, with over 1.4 million new cases reported globally each year. Positively, cancer diagnostics and treatments are making massive strides, but early detection is still critical.
Many myths surround prostate cancer. Dr Friedel Kerchhoff, a medical adviser at Sanlam, says it’s crucial to know the facts and go for an annual general health screening. If there is any chronic disease or symptoms suggestive of prostate abnormalities, he suggests men go for check-ups more frequently.
“The words ‘prostate cancer’ will stop most men in their tracks; a fear fuelled by the many myths that often cloak this disease,” says Dr Kerchhoff. “Consequently, men avoid screenings, experience anxiety and depression at diagnosis, and avoid treatment because of side effects. Through education, every man can become the hero of his own health story. It’s time we destigmatise prostate cancer screenings and encourage more South African men to act.”
Common prostate cancer myths
According to the CMS, one in 19 men in South Africa will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Last year, 42% of Sanlam’s severe illness claims by men were for cancer, with 36% of those for prostate cancer. For this reason, Dr Kerchhoff says there’s a need for transparent dialogue among men, not just from a medical standpoint but in the South African context.
Dr Kerchhoff says a critical step in achieving this is debunking common myths surrounding this disease and offering practical advice men can adopt to live a life of confidence. These myths include:
Myth 1: I don’t have symptoms, so why screen?
Fact: Prostate cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making screenings crucial for early detection.
Myth 2: Prostate cancer is incurable.
Fact: Contrary to this belief, prostate cancer has various treatment options, many of which have good outcomes.
Myth 3: Screening tests do not help.
Fact: Since symptoms do not often occur with early-stage prostate cancer, screening can make a huge difference – resulting in early detection and allowing for more treatment options and a better outcome. It’s important to discuss your risk factors and whether you should have screening tests performed with your healthcare provider. Risk factors include older age, family history, lifestyle, and race. African men are more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer.
Myth 4: Screenings are embarrassing and painful.
Fact: While discomfort may be a concern, modern procedures have come a long way in ensuring patient comfort. One of the common screenings is a simple blood test.
Myth 5: Prostrate cancer treatment always causes impotence.
Fact: Although some types of prostate cancer treatment may require surgery, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy, others may only require active surveillance or watchful waiting. Like most treatments, cancer treatments have potential risks and side effects. However, these side effects aren't guaranteed.
Why screenings are so crucial?
“Prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease and often asymptomatic, which makes screenings vital to flag the cancer early on,” explains Dr Kerchhoff. He says that screening tests should not be performed without the appropriate counselling being done.
The most common screening tests include:
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. PSA is a protein produced by prostate cells, which can be found in the blood. Doctors often detect elevated PSA levels in men with prostate cancer. However, non-cancerous conditions, such as an inflamed or enlarged prostate, can also cause PSA levels to increase.
- Digital rectum exam (DRE). Here, the doctor will examine the prostate gland through the rectum to feel for any hard areas or lumps. Although this physical exam can make men feel more anxious or uncomfortable, it’s a quick examination.
When to get checked
Dr Kerchhoff recommends that men undergo regular prostate cancer screenings from age 40 if at high-risk (e.g., family history of prostate cancer at an early age; or breast cancer – especially if linked to BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene mutations).
"Early detection reduces complications and means access to a wider range of treatment options, most of which are highly effective. Curative treatment involves radiotherapy or surgeries – whichh is now performed with robotic assistance with lower risks.”
How to live a life of confidence and mitigate against health curveballs
As with most preventative approaches, Dr Kerchhoff says adopting a balanced lifestyle with good nutrition and regular exercise can lower men’s risk of prostate cancer, as well as other types of cancer. He adds that Sanlam works alongside CANSA to help drive awareness campaigns and offers a Cancer Benefit to give men and their families a lump sum to help with the unexpected costs of a diagnosis, like travel to treatment centres, employing a carer for their children and missed workdays.
It also includes access to CANSA Tele Counselling for cancer patients, caregivers, and families of those affected by the disease, providing the information and support they need.
"Men mustn't let myths deter them from taking charge of their health.
Try to engage with family members about their medical history to gain valuable insights into your health risks and stay informed. Education is empowering. Regular screenings may well save your life,” concludes Dr Kerchhoff.
