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Take Control

#CANSAMensHealth #LowerCancerRisk

Do you sometimes feel like you are just being carried along by circumstances and powerless to influence things around you? The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions have left us all feeling this way.

But now that you’ve been forced to slow down and avoid social gatherings, it is perhaps the perfect opportunity for a little self-reflection.

This is a great time to take control of your health.

Although COVID-19 is making the headlines at the moment, cancer has never gone away, and it’s important to assess your personal cancer risk.

Did you know that you can lower your risk for many cancers, by making a few positive lifestyle changes?

The top 5 cancers prevalent in SA men according to the 2017 National Cancer Registry are: prostate, colorectal, lung, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and bladder cancer.

So how do you know whether you are at risk or not, and more importantly what you can do to lower your risk?

Step 1:

It’s easy, make use of our online CANSA Lifestyle Risk Assessment Tool – we’ll help you identify the areas where you are at risk, and advise you on how to lower your cancer risk.

Peter Mukheli, recently joined CANSA as Chief Financial Officer. His message to men is: "Men are not great at prioritising personal health, and often we put our heads in the sand about health-related matters, which leads to us being ignorant about the symptoms of cancer and leaving it too late. It is important that we change this, become more aware of cancer, how to lower cancer risk and take advantage of cancer screening available."

Step 2:

Now that you know where you are at risk, and which positive changes to make to your lifestyle, implement these as soon as possible.

Look what you can achieve

Don’t smoke.
If you currently smoke – get help and quit – read more…
= lung, bladder and colorectal cancer risk reduced

Avoid alcohol
= colorectal, mouth, pharyngeal, laryngeal, liver,
oesophageal and pancreatic cancer risk reduced

Avoid being overweight
= prostate and colorectal cancer risk reduced

Exercise each day for at least 30 min
= prostate and colorectal cancer risk reduced

Eat at least 5 portions of vegetables and fruit daily
= prostate and colorectal cancer risk reduced

Limit your meat intake and high fat, dairy products
= prostate and colorectal cancer risk reduced

Avoid food that is fatty, sugary, salty and | or processed
= colorectal cancer risk reduced

Drink enough safe, clean water every day (6-8 glasses per day)
= colorectal cancer risk reduced

Be safe in the sun, cover up with sunscreen
= skin cancer risk reduced

Gavin Kester CANSA Service Specialist Eastern Cape & Free State: "We (men) must pay attention to what our body is saying to us. Now is the time to act, to be responsible and do the right thing – get tested for cancer. Early detection and regular screening can save our lives."

Step 3:

You’ve done what you can to lower your personal cancer risk, but it’s also important to be self-aware and know your body, so that you can identify symptoms of cancer, and that it may be detected early and treatment started without delay.

Prof Michael Herbst, CANSA Health Specialist Consultant advises: “Anything in /on your body that is different today than last week / month /year needs to be reported to your health professional – this will lead to early diagnosis, early treatment and a better chance for full recovery / remission.”

Step 4:

Be proactive – don’t wait for symptoms to present themselves. Go for regular annual medical check-ups. Screening is not available for all cancers, but you can take advantage of screening that is available. This will also ensure early detection and a more successful treatment outcome.

Sam Chigumbura, CANSA Sustainability Manager KZN & Mpumalanga, shares: “I would say ‘as a man’ we have a responsibility to our families to provide, to care and to love. The only way to fulfil that is to take better care of ourselves. In a lot of ways, taking care of ourselves is the greatest way to show love. Get regular cancer screening and stay aware of your health.”

4.1. Get screened for prostate cancer

Men need not be fearful of invasive screening when a simple Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test can determine prostate specific antigen levels and if they are at risk of prostate cancer. We urge men, over 40 years not to delay and to take advantage of our affordable screening fee for PSA testing at local CANSA Care Centres. Strict COVID protocols are followed to ensure your safety. Read more…

4.2. Do monthly testicular self-examinations, especially between ages of 15 to 49

Regular monthly self-examinations can help detect this cancer early. Men from the ages of 15 to 49 need to examine their testicles, preferably after a bath or shower, to feel for any pea-sized lumps that could indicate testicular cancer. Find instructions on doing a self-examination on the CANSA website.

Step 5:

Don’t go it alone. If you are diagnosed with cancer, know that there is hope, and that support during treatment is a critical part of assisting with recovery.

Bobby Were CANSA TLC Coordinator shares his reaction prior to his cancer diagnosis: “While bathing one evening in 2006 I felt a pea size lump next to my right nipple. I called my wife and asked her to look. She agreed something was not right and that I should see the doctor. My male stubbornness kicked in immediately, you know what I mean, we men know much better than any doctor and I informed my wife it was nothing and I was fine. Well needless to say I wasn't, it turned out to be male breast cancer. Don't ignore the signs or delay getting treatment.”

CANSA provides a counselling service dedicated to providing advice to cancer survivors and patients. Speak to a counsellor at your local CANSA Care Centre or call our Help Desk on 0800 22 6622 to make an appointment for Tele Counselling, or email us at counselling@cansa.org.za. You can also join our Champions of Hope Facebook Group for cancer Survivors and chat to peers who are facing similar challenges.

Feels good to be in charge of your cancer risk, doesn’t it?

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