The lowdown on prostate cancer
The Cancer Association of Namibia’s latest data shows that prostate cancer is now the most prevalent cancer amongst Namibian men, with 350 new cases being diagnosed every year.“Our data further shows that approximately 5% of all men in the country are currently living with prostate cancer, which is slightly higher than the 4.6% of women living with breast cancer,” CAN chief executive, Rolf Hansen, said.
In light of this, CAN is creating awareness about prostate cancer in November and encourages all men above the age of 45 to be screened.
This can be done by doing a simple blood test, called a PSA test. This type of screening for prostate cancer is non-invasive and results are available within 15 minutes. If you have a history of prostate cancer, screening can start from the age of 30 already.
To make things easier, Pathcare Namibia is offering screening opportunities at all their branches countrywide, or if you are in Windhoek, visit the CAN centre in John Meinert Street and get screened for free.
Furthermore, you can order a 2024 diary from the CAN offices in Swakopmund and get a blue ribbon that you can wear to show your support for men living with prostate cancer or order a blue cupcake by Wednesday, 22 November 2023, to help CAN raise funds to screen more men for free.
What you should know
• The chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer increases rapidly after age 50. About 6 in 10 of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65.
• Statistics worldwide indicate that 1 in every 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• Prostate cancer is the fourth most common tumour to be diagnosed worldwide according to the International Prostate Cancer Foundation.
• Prostate cancer is among the most heritable of all cancers. The Prostate Cancer Foundation estimates that 57% of prostate cancer risk is due to genetic factors.
Prevention is better than cure
What can you do to prevent developing prostate cancer? This is difficult to answer as there are no specific causes yet for why men develop prostate cancer. CAN can only recommend that you focus on a healthier diet and lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing any illness and that will help you live a longer and healthier life.
Some of these include adopting a more moderate diet by balancing the intake of red meat, sugar, processed foods and dairy products; regular exercise; following a more plant-based diet, including a variety of brightly coloured vegetables as they contain antioxidants; being aware of your calcium intake as this can increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer; avoid smoking and consuming alcohol moderately; seeking medical treatment for high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and depression; trying to relax and enjoy life; taking care of your mental health; and being screened for prostate cancer at least once a year.
For more information or to support any of our initiatives, please contact the CAN Head Office at 061 237740 or the CAN Erongo Centre at 064 461 271.