It’s #MovemberNovember time!
Namibian cancer statistics indicate that while 214 prostate cancer cases were recorded back in 2010, this number has increased to an average of 374 cases per year.During the last 5-year reporting cycle, close to 2 273 prostate cancer diagnoses were recorded, and a total of 11 211 Namibian men were diagnosed with a form of cancer. Prostate cancer, Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Lymphoma rank as the top three cancers in Namibian men.
“We remain committed to fighting cancer, but also understand that men are sensitive about the topic of prostate screening. Men should know that a simple blood test can save their lives,” explained Rolf Hansen, chief executive of the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN).
While prostate cancer can be prevented by a healthier lifestyle to a certain extent, the most effective means to overcome this disease is by early intervention. A simple PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test for men older than 45 years especially, is the earliest (and easiest) indicator to spot irregularities that might signal a possible prostate cancer diagnosis.
CAN cautions that while there are symptoms associated with prostate cancer, these usually appear when the disease is at an advanced stage, thus making treatment and recovery difficult.
Men with a family history of prostate cancer are recommended to start with annual screening from the age of 35 years.
“CAN encourages men with a family history of prostate cancer and who are in the susceptible age range to go for annual screening, whether PSA-test or rectal examination,” Hansen said.
Health clinics & events
A series of Men’s Health Clinics will be hosted at the CAN Medical Centre in Windhoek in November while a Movember music roadshow with South African singer Rudi Claase is scheduled for Gobabis, Windhoek, Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund from 15 to 18 November 2022.
The CAN Rehoboth branch hosts a Movember Blue Walk on Saturday, 12 November 2022, while at the same time the CAN Tsumeb branch hosts a Movember Brunch. On 19 November, the Movember Family Market takes place at the Goanikontes Oasis outside Swakopmund.
The annual #MovemberNovember competition invites men from all over the country to participate in the beard-growing competition and wraps up the Movember activations on Wednesday, 30 November 2022.
For more information on all events, activations and competitions, visit CAN’s social media pages, or contact Vanessa at [email protected] or 061 237740.