Movember gives prostate and testicular cancer a healthy platform

No, this is not a Magnum PI revival!! All the new facial hair is for Movember, a global movement that encourages men to grow a moustache in November to raise awareness and money for men’s health issues, including prostate and testicular cancer.

What the Movember Foundation does

The global Movember Foundation uses the moustache as a fun way to raise awareness for men’s health issues, while giving men the opportunity to share and care about their own health and that of their fellow men.

Prostate cancer can be fatal

Prostate cancer refers to cancer that develops in a man's prostate gland. This is the small, walnut-sized gland that sits just below the bladder and produces part of the semen. Prostate cancer grows slower than other cancers, however, it can spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes and bones, and, like other cancers, it can be fatal.

The incidence of prostate cancer increases with age. It is less common in men younger than 40 years of age, but the risk increases as a man grows older.

More than 4 300 South African men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year.

What is testicular cancer?

Did you know that testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in males aged 15 to 39? Testicular cancer is a cancer that, in most cases, starts in the germ cells of the testicle or testis – an oval-shaped gland in the scrotum. (The germ cells are the cells that produce the sperm.)

Trauma to the testes or a vasectomy do not increase a man’s risk of testicular cancer.

What your employees can do to help prevent prostate and testicular cancer

• Be aware: Employees should know their risk factors (e.g. medical and family history)
• Examine their testes at least once a month
• If your employees are older than 50 years, or if they have risk factors, they should visit a doctor once a year for prostate screening (early detection is key!)

Discovery Health funds one prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test a year for men from the Screening and Prevention Benefit of all plans, up to a maximum of the Discovery Health Rate.

Things that can help prevent prostate cancer

• Quit smoking
• Drink six to eight glasses of water a day
• Follow a healthy diet:
• • Eat lots of fresh and cooked tomatoes
  • Limit meat intake to 300g four times a week
  • Avoid fatty and sugary foods
  • Limit carcinogens in the diet, for example, salty, smoked and processed meat and burned food
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day
• Keep to the ideal weight for your height and body type
• Don’t drink more than two standard units of alcohol per day

Testicular or prostate cancer is not a death sentence

If an employee is diagnosed with either testicular or prostate cancer, reassure them that there are many treatment options and encourage them to get appropriate medical advice. After diagnosis and treatment, many men go on to lead a long and healthy life. The miracles of modern science!

Resources:

• www.cansa.org.za
• www.nioh.ac.za
• www.prostatecancerfoundation.co.za
• www.za.movember.com
• www.webmd.com

This article contains opinions, facts and references to other information sources. You should always consult a registered healthcare professional for any personal advice.