Durocast is aware that South African men are facing a crisis! What can we all do about this fact? We can get informed….
With a 7 year lower life expectancy than South African women, ranking 167th out of 193 countries, coupled with the high rate of Gender Based Violence and Femicide, South African men’s health seeking behaviors coupled with patriarchal mindsets requires intervention. Statistics indicate that 4 of every 5 suicides are men, with approx. 18 men taking their lives each day.
1 in every 23 South African men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. On average 5 South African men will die from prostate cancer every day. More than 4,300 South African men are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer each year.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a gland located immediately below the bladder, in front of the bowels. It produces fluid that protects and enriches sperm.
Prostate cancer occurs when some of the cells in the prostate reproduce far more rapidly than normal, resulting in a tumour. If left untreated, prostate cancer cells may eventually spread from the prostate and invade distant parts of the body, particularly the lymph nodes and bones, producing secondary tumours in a process known as metastasis.
One of the most worrying aspects of the disease is that most prostate cancers develop without men experiencing any symptoms in the early stages.
Know The Risk
Prostate cancer only affects men, as women do not have a prostate gland. Risk factors in developing the disease include:
Age
The older a man, the more likely he is to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Family History
A man with a father or brother who developed prostate cancer is twice as likely to develop the disease.
Ethnicity
Increased occurrence in black African and Afro-Caribbean males.
What to do
If you have any concerns or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important that you contact your doctor.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged 15 – 39 years. 53 new cases were diagnosed in South Africa in 2007. The five-year relative survival rate is over 95% for men with testicular cancer in South Africa.
What Is Testicular Cancer?
The testicles are part of the male reproductive system and are responsible for the production of male hormones (mostly testosterone) and sperm. Testicular cancer starts as an abnormal growth or tumour that develops in one or both testicles. There are several types of testicular cancer, but the most common is the germ cell tumour.
Who’s At Risk?
The rate of men diagnosed with testicular cancer has doubled in the last 50 years. Early detection and knowing the risks is key.
Young men between the age of 15-40 years.
Men with a family history such as a brother or father diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Men who have had a previous occurrence of testicular cancer.
Men who have undescended testes at birth.
Age
The older a man, the more likely he is to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Family History
A man with a father or brother who developed prostate cancer is twice as likely to develop the disease.
Ethnicity
Increased occurrence in black African and Afro-Caribbean males.
What to do
If you have any concerns or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important that you contact your doctor.
1 in 4 people will be affected by a mental health problem at some time in their life. 510,000 men die from suicide globally each year. That’s one every minute. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
Mental health: Why it matters for men
Things happen in life, like difficulties with work or finances, the breakdown of a relationship, overwhelming family responsibilities, or a significant setback. These challenges can take a serious toll on your mental health, if left unchecked. Many men tough it out and struggle alone.
Some ways to look after your mental health
Do more of the things that make you feel great and help you to de-stress
Spend time with friends
Share what’s going on, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed
Contact Lifeline
To speak with someone immediately, contact Lifeline on 0861 322 322.
