Article: Men's Health 101: A Complete Guide to Prostate and Testicular Cancer
Men's Health 101: A Complete Guide to Prostate and Testicular Cancer
Seen a few freshly-shaved faces prepping to grow an impressive moustache? That’s
because it’s Movember, or, more formally, Men’s Health Month. During this time, guys grow their facial hair to raise questions and, therefore, raise awareness about preventable
health problems affecting men, encouraging them to seek regular medical advice and early treatment.
This has been taking place since 2009 and has gone a long way in breaking down the
stigma and getting men to normalise conversations about male wellness concerns. If you are not keen on growing a beard, there is another initiative in South Africa called Brovember that also aims to help men live long and healthy lives.
The most common conditions that just affect men are prostate and testicular cancer. Here’s what you need to know about them, as well as what you can do to spot these cancers early and receive the necessary treatment.
The particulars about prostate cancer
There’s a small gland called the prostate, located below the bladder, that is responsible for producing seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting South African men, with about one in 16 being at risk.
It mostly affects men over the age of 50, but there have been younger cases. People with a family history of cancer and an unhealthy lifestyle are most likely to develop it.
Some common symptoms include:
- Difficulty or pain when urinating
- Weak urine flow or frequent night urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Lower back, hip or pelvic pain
The tea on testicular cancer
As the name suggests, this type of cancer forms in the testicles – the glands responsible for producing semen and testosterone. It is more common in younger men between the ages of 15 and 40, but it can occur in older men, too.
There are an estimated 218 cases in South Africa each year. Fortunately, if caught early, it is a highly treatable disease.
Some common symptoms include:
- A lump or swelling in either testicle
- A heavy or aching feeling in the lower abdomen or groin
- Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
- Dull pain in the testicle or scrotum
When it comes to the balls, you can (and should) perform regular self-checks. You do this by standing in front of a mirror after a warm shower. Examine each testicle using both hands – roll them gently between your fingers, feeling for any hard lumps, smooth rounded bumps or changes in size or consistency. Do this monthly to spot any changes.
Found something unusual? Schedule an appointment with your doctor for a medical exam. To lower your risk, lead a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise and managing stress.
The earlier, the better
When it comes to both types of male cancer, early detection and treatment improve survival rates significantly. This means checking yourself often, going for annual screenings and knowing what to look out for, which is why conversations among men about these issues are so important.
If you receive a positive diagnosis, don’t panic! Make an appointment with your GP, who will transfer you to a specialist so you can get the treatment and recovery show on the road. You can also reach out to a non-profit, such as The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), for guidance.
To prevent falling victim to this disease, there are several things you can do. The main one is to ensure that you are living a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, working out regularly, consuming less alcohol, quitting smoking and keeping your stress levels low and your mental health in check.
#CheckYourself this #Movember
As the saying goes, health is wealth. So, get involved and participate by doing a self-check, booking a screening, growing a moustache, raising awareness or just talking to your bros about testicular and prostate cancer this #MensHealthMonth (and always).
If you need inspiration to move your body and manage mental health, check out our blog 'Move, Meditate, Masturbate: Our 3 Keys To Your Healthiest Movember'. And if you are looking for ways to enjoy your healthy prostate, you can find out how to pleasure it by reading our blog 'Prostate Pleasure 101: How to Protect and Pleasure Your Prostate This Movember'.
