Talk to most men about their health and after a few seconds their eyes have glazed over and the yawning will have set in. Mention cancer and they’re likely to stop listening all together, particularly if they’re feeling healthy and fail to see the need for “unnecessary conversations when everything is going great”.
Yet talk to a man about his car and his eyes will light up. Men invest a great deal of time and money to ensure their cars are kept in tip-top condition; in fact, a survey by Men’s Health Network (MHN) showed that nearly 70% of men find it easier to care for their cars than they do their personal health.
Men in general don’t think anything is wrong with their body until it breaks down.
Sound the alarm
Every year around 14 million people worldwide hear the words: “You have cancer”.
Top cancers among South African men include prostate cancer, lung cancer, oesophageal cancer, bladder cancer and colorectal cancer.
On average, men die four years younger than women, and are also more likely to die of cancer. Prostate cancer is the top cancer among men, with South African men having a one in 24 life-time risk of prostate cancer. Your risk increases if you are older than 40 years, you don’t get enough exercise, follow a poor diet, have more than two alcoholic drinks a day or if there is a family history of prostate cancer.
Heed the warning lights
The first piece of advice any cancer survivor will share is: reduce your cancer risk — take the detour and travel “away from cancer” rather than towards it. While some cancers simply cannot be avoided, many can be prevented with a few simple lifestyle changes.
Stop smoking. Shed extra weight. Protect your skin from sun damage. Watch what you eat.
Dr Ali Hamdulay, at Metropolitan’s health division, points out that —unlike our cars — our bodies don’t have a “check engine” light to signal possible problems. Getting regular medical care and doing self-examinations makes a huge difference in the early detection of cancer.
Many men bury their heads in the sand, choosing to ignore potential symptoms and hoping they’ll just go away. However when cancer is found early, there are more options for treatment and a better chance of a cure. Be on the watch for some of the following early symptoms that may point to cancer. It could save your life!
Urinary problems
Do you have problems passing urine? If you experience pain or find it difficult to start to pass water or have a weak or slow flow, it may be a symptom of a problem with your prostate.
Early detection is key. Men aged 50 or older should have a yearly prostate test. Men with a family history of prostate cancer should start yearly tests in their 40s.
A test called a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test measures the level of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by your prostate. High levels may indicate inflammation of the prostate, or even cancer.
If you catch prostate cancer early, it’s reduced to a temporary inconvenience and, once treated, you’re back to your normal life. Delay, and it may go on the rampage in your body.
Changes to testicles
Although less common than other cancers, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men between the ages of 15 and 39, but can occur in any male at any time.
Men need to regularly check their testicles, and get any unusual lump or swelling checked out. Do a quick, easy self-examination in the shower or bath, or just afterwards. Roll (don’t knead) each testicle gently between your thumb and forefinger checking for any lumps.
Lumps can be as small as a grain of rice, and are usually quite firm like hard rubber. If you feel anything unusual, have your doctor check it.
Testicular cancer is a highly treatable type of cancer with a very good cure rate — about 95% — if found and treated early.
Changes to skin and moles
Famous for sunny skies and braais, South Africa is also unfortunately notorious for a very high rate of skin cancer. The good news is that most skin cancers are highly preventable, and can be effectively treated if detected early enough. The bad news is that, in general, men do not readily incorporate sun protection into their lifestyle.
It’s also important to regularly check moles and your skin for any changes that could be the first sign of skin cancer. New moles or any change in size, shape or colour of an existing mole should be checked. Be sure to have a mole checked if it becomes crusty, bleeds or oozes.
‘You have cancer’
No one wants to hear these words. However, if one day you receive this news, DO NOT take it as a death sentence. Dr Hamdulay points out that when one hears the word “cancer”, the natural instinct is to think of death as the outcome.
However, while many cancers have very poor outcomes, so many MORE can be managed as chronic diseases, much the same way as one would manage diabetes or hypertension.
Many cancer survivors also find that their cancer journey is a life-changing experience. While everyone’s journey is unique, many patients use the experience to improve their quality of life and empower themselves during and after cancer treatment. Yes — cancer can kill you, but it can also teach you courage, resilience, faith and purpose.
Cancer patients are not alone
On being diagnosed with cancer, patients can experience a range of emotions, from shock, fear, disbelief, anxiety, guilt, sadness, grief, depression, anger — to name but a few. Confronted by this overwhelming challenge, they often feel alone and isolated, despite the love and support of family and friends.
However, leading medical schemes also provide professional support for beneficiaries diagnosed with cancer. Dr Hamdulay explains that Metropolitan’s health division has established and manages specialist oncology programmes for the beneficiaries of many top medical schemes who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Oncology is simply a “fancier” term for cancer, referring to the branch of science that deals with tumours and cancers.
These programmes actively support, educate and empower patients to manage their cancer in the best way possible, for the best possible outcomes. They are managed by case managers, health professionals with oncology training and clinical experience.
Like the conductor of an orchestra, case managers co-ordinate key aspects of a patient’s cancer journey so that the patient has the best experience possible, despite dealing with the awful challenges cancer will throw their way.
They work closely with the patient, their family, doctors and leading cancer experts to ensure each patient receives the care required. This includes the pre-authorisation necessary for access to the appropriate medication and hospital benefits, treatment plans and referrals to the facilities best positioned to deliver the required treatment and expertise.
Strength in unity
Movember is the time millions of men unite and sprout a moustache, hence November being renamed Movember.
Mo Bros are walking billboards for raising awareness around important men’s health issues, such as prostrate and testicular cancers.
Hamdulay fully supports the awareness and education that Movember nurtures, as it changes behaviour and mind-sets, and gradually breaks down barriers, removes stigmas and brings about real change.
Movember encourages men to be more proactive when it comes to their health. But it’s not just a guy thing. Mo Sistas understand the importance of men taking care of their health and provide vital support to the Mo Bros in their lives.
The global Movember community has raised R4.7-billion. Funds raised by the initiative in South Africa go towards survivorship and research programmes developed in conjunction with the CANSA. Visit movember.com or facebook.com/MovemberSouthAfrica for more information. Registrations for Movember 2015 open in September.
Pit stops
This is another piece of advice most cancer survivors will readily share. We tend to hurtle through life at break-neck speed, often missing out on the precious beauty around us in the here and now.
A cancer scare or battle helps to focus us on the things that matter most. A cancer survivor will tell you to take nothing for granted. Enjoy the life you have right now. Take time to jump in puddles, hug the kids, and feel the wind on your face.
Why wait? Make a decision TODAY to make healthier choices. Don’t wait for a nasty speed bump to deliver the wake-up call nobody wants. This June, get into the driver’s seat and onto a hopefully cancer-free road to better health.