Over 40? Time to get checked. Black African men at higher risk of prostate cancer

Thabo Shole-Mashao (standing in for 702’s Clement Manyathela) speaks with Andrew Oberholzer, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of South Africa.

Listen below:

Did you know that prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in South African men?

This Cancer Awareness Month, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of SA is raising awareness about educating people about prostate cancer and early detection.

Genetic factors play an important role, with up to 60% of a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer.

“It is also unfortunately worse for black African men living in Africa… one in four black men will be affected by prostate cancer versus about one in eight white men.”

– Andrew Oberholzer, CEO- Prostate Cancer Foundation SA

Oberholzer adds that there's a general lack of awareness and education around the disease, with many men not even knowing where their prostate is. 

A lack of access to screening is also a big problem. 

“There is just insufficient access to screening and unfortunately a lot of men are scared of screening because they think that they are going to be subjected to the dreaded digital rectal exam… it’s just a simple blood test [now].”

– Andrew Oberholzer, CEO- Prostate Cancer Foundation SA

“Don’t wait for symptoms… Urinary symptoms are not unique to prostate cancer.”

– Andrew Oberholzer, CEO of Prostate Cancer Foundation SA

The recommended screening age for black African men is 40 and all other men, 45.