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Every year in November, the country is suddenly invaded by unshaven, moustache-spotting males. All this is part of the Movember campaign, where men raise funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer.
Men are encouraged grow their moustache during the month of November, as their way of showing support for this initiative. They help raise awareness for the often ignored issues of men’s health, by prompting conversations wherever they go and taking part in fund-raising activities.
“This year, NHC Health Centres will also be supporting the Movember campaign. During the month of November, men sporting moustaches can go to any of the NHC Centres (Bryanston, Honeydew and Northcliff) and get a free prostate screening” says Mr Hermann Kohloffel at NHC Health Centres (note to editors: please refer to company as indicated).
When does prostate cancer occur?
Prostate cancer occurs when some of the cells of the prostate reproduce far more rapidly than in a normal prostate, causing a tumour. If left untreated, these cells may spread to other parts of the body, especially the bones and lymph nodes.
Even when the cells have spread to other parts of the body, it is still treated as prostate cancer, as it is the primary source of cancer.
Statistics of prostate cancer
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa, one in four men may be affected by Prostate cancer in their lifetime.
How the PSA test process works:
On the 21st and 28th of November, men, over 50 years old, who have grown their moustache in support of the campaign, can get a free Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) blood test at the NHC Health Centres.
Says Dr Rains: “The PSA test involves drawing blood, usually from the arm. The blood is then sent to the lab and most often results come back within 1 or 2 days. The PSA blood test looks in the blood for the presence of a protein that is produced specifically by prostate cells called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). Rising levels of PSA in the blood indicate a problem with the prostate, which could be cancer but could also be an enlarged prostate (BPH) or infection (prostatitis)”.
A doctor at the NHC Health Centre will then go through your PSA test results with you and advise you on what to do next, depending on your results.
“It is important that men get regular prostate tests. Finding and treating prostate cancer early offers men more treatment options with potentially fewer side effects”, says Dr Rains.
So don’t bury your head in the sand when it comes to men’s health issues. Take charge of your health - grow your mo this November and go to any of the NHC Health Centres. You could just be saving your life.
