November is focused on prostate cancer and creating awareness on this disease. Knowledge is power and can change the prognosis drastically.
Early detection is the key to vital life choices. With early detection 98% chances of survival beyond five years is attainable, however, later detection 26% have chances of survival beyond 5 years.
The obvious is education. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in South African men. Know the facts.
November is a gentle reminder that as many women who suffer breast cancer, is equal to as many men who suffer prostate cancer. Best we educate ourselves on early detection, look out for symptoms and have a regular PSA test, and not have such a sexist opinion on this topic.
What is a PSA test?
PSA testing is done with a simple blood test. PSA = Prostate Specific Antigen, concentration in the blood, this is the main method of testing for prostate cancer. A regular chat to your doctor will ensure that you are heading in the right direction. Don’t wait until you feel symptoms, or until someone close to you has been diagnosed. This should be a regular part of men’s health from the age of 40.
Only men have a prostate gland. This elusive gland is the shape and size of a walnut. Not unlike human growth, the gland grows as men age. Snuggled under the bladder and wraps around the urethra. Its main job is to produce semen. With healthy eating habits such as broccoli, and tomatoes keeps the prostate healthy. Loads of legumes and pomegranate juice is long known for its urological benefits.
DRE – Digital Rectal Exam:
Sounds worse than it is. It’s a relatively simple test to physically check the prostate. Because the prostate lies in front of the rectum, it can be felt by the Doctor inserting a finger and feeling the size and check for swelling or any abnormalities. This is part of prostate screening tests. Early detection is the key.
Men need to get into the habit of using a prostate massager. Yes. This is more common than most know. And once men can wrap their head around the fact that anal entry is as much a heterosexual habit as it is a homosexual. And, By the way, it is not always an essential part of homosexual sex play either! Sadly, social norms have thrown a spanner in the works.
It has taken much persuasion to get gents to invest in a prostate massager. That is those who have not been sent by their urologist. Although, there is an increase in men wanting to venture into the back door and have discovered that not only is it a necessary thing, it is highly pleasurable.
So, gents, it’s time to loosen the shackles and start talking about your prostate health. This not only is for your personal health, but it’s time to raise the awareness to prostate cancer and regular check-ups. Testicular cancer has no age – sadly it does have a gender – It’s up to you to ensure that you keep a finger on the pulse of your prostate – and there is no pun intended!
