*Based on the National Cancer Registry of 2007

What is the prostate?

• The prostate is part of the male reproductive system

• It is a small, round gland that is located in front of the rectum at the base of the bladder

• Its primary function is to release fluid into the urethra during ejaculation

What is prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate

Prostate cancerdoes not develop

suddenly

There is a gradual change fromnormal prostate cells,through various levels

of cell abnormality,to pre-cancer lesions

and eventuallycancer

This wholeprocess can take

many years

Remember, although most enlargements of the prostate are not cancerous, regular

screening is essential

Are you at risk for prostate cancer?Family history of prostate cancer increases your risk• Having a father or brother with

prostate cancer more than doubles a man's risk of developing this disease (The risk is higher for men with a brother who has prostate cancer than those with a father with the disease)

You have a further increased risk for prostate cancer if...

• You’re older than 40 (the risk increases rapidly after 50)

• You follow a poor diet (high fat and red meat and low vegetable intake)

• Presence of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation• You don’t get enough exercise• There is history of prostate cancer in your family• You have more than 2 standard alcoholic drinks per

day

• Go for regular screening• Don’t smoke• Preferably don’t drink at all, or restrict drinking

to two standard alcoholic drinks or less per day• A standard alcoholic drink is equal to:

• 340ml beer (avg. 5% alcohol volume)• 120ml wine• 25ml liqueur• 50ml sherry• 25 ml spirits (brandy, whiskey, vodka,gin and cane)

How to reduce your risk

• Avoid being overweight• Exercise for at least 30 mins five days per week• Eat at least 5 portions of fresh vegetables and

fruit (in season) daily• Drink enough clean safe water

How to reduce your risk

Screening for prostate cancer

Finger-prick PSA test • It usually takes several days before

the results of a PSA test becomes available because blood is drawn from a vein, placed in a test tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis

• A new finger-prick PSA test has now become available. This is a while-you-wait test

Get screened for prostate cancerProstate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test

How?Blood is drawn and tested for PSA levels, a protein produced by the prostate – high levels may indicate inflammation of the prostate or cancer

Who?Men over 50 (40-45 for those at high risk such as men with a family history of prostate cancer)

When?Annually or as advised by a doctor

Screening for prostate cancer• All that gets done now is a prick of

the finger to obtain a drop of blood. • The blood is placed on a test strip of

the finger-prick PSA device and within as little as 10 minutes the result becomes available

• Speeding up the testing process cuts out the worry factor for men

• Persons with an increased PSA test result must be referred to a doctor for follow-up

Counselling• Counselling before and after the test

is essential and must be conducted by a professional person

Screening for prostate cancerDigital Rectal Exam

How?For a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), the doctor inserts a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormalities such as lumps or hard areas on the prostate

Who?Men 50 years and older (40-45 for those at high risk, such as men with a family history of prostate cancer)

When?Annually or as advised by a doctor

Although

some men

experience

discomfort,

a rectal

examination (DRE)

is usually quick

and painless

Screening for prostate cancer

Through early detection effectivetreatment can be given

and so prevent the development ofadvanced prostate cancer

Symptoms to look out for?

• Difficulty urinating• Difficulty to start or stop the flow of

urine• Urine flow that starts and stops by itself• A weak flow of urine• A pain or burning sensation during

urination• Need to urinate often, especially at

night

Symptoms to look out for?

• Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection

• Blood in the urine and/or semen• Painful ejaculations• Pain in the lower back, hips and

upper thighs

Have you experienced any of these symptoms?

Don't ignore them! It’s

important to have it checked

out

Simply fill out the checklist at the back of our Men’s Health

leaflet...

...and presentit to your medical

practitioner at your next annual

check-up

What is CANSA doing to help?

• CANSA encourages men to look after their health to reduce the risk of male cancers

• CANSA ensures that South African men have access to valuable and potentially life saving information and prostate screening tests

Let’s talk numbers...

Conducted 7 436 PSA tests to detect prostate abnormalities and facilitated an additional 137 in partnership with the DoH

Trained 129 Movember Navigators who 2 353 reached people about reducing the testicular and prostate cancer risk

What is the P-Ball• CANSA’s P-Ball (an awareness device)

involves a small biodegradable ball that is placed in a urinal. The aim is to dissolve the P-Ball, with a full bladder and in the shortest possible time to gauge the strength of the urine stream. A weak urine stream may be a warning sign of prostate problems and men experiencing it should consult their doctor. The P-Ball is available at R25, and can be ordered from one of CANSA’s Care Centres country-wide.

• Although a fun product, using a P-Ball reminds men to be proactive and to go for regular screening tests to detect prostate problems early, when they can be treated more effectively

P-Balls are available at R25 each at CANSA Care Centres

country-wide

You can make a difference in the fight against prostate cancer...• Get screened annually • Make a donation • Buy and use a P-Ball• Sign up as a CANSA volunteer

Movember• During November, men and women

register and support the global initiative ‘Movember’ that sees men grow moustaches for 30 days in order to raise awareness and funds for prostate and testicular cancer programmes and initiatives. In South Africa, Movember has partnered with CANSA as the Men’s Health Partner. All funds raised in South Africa through the Movember campaign go directly to CANSA’s Men’s Health Programmes for prostrate and testicular cancer care and support

• Join now and register at www.movember.com

Disclaimer:Whilst the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has taken every precaution in compiling this presentation, neither it, nor any contributor(s) to this presentation can be held responsible for any action (or the lack thereof) taken by any person or organisation wherever they shall be based, as a result, direct or otherwise, of information contained in, or accessed through, this presentation.

Thank You!