Even guys who win the Comrades Marathon 9 times can get prostate cancer. That’s why Bruce Fordyce takes the test. He knows that prostate cancer that is detected in the early stages is potentially curable. Check out the prostate cancer screening article in our information section to find out when you should start taking the test.
A diagnosis of prostate cancer can be scary and it’s good to know that you’re not alone.
If you feel that you would like to connect with other men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and who have undergone the same treatment that you have been scheduled for, then you are welcome to join one of our e-mail support groups.
Our prostatectomy support group
This is for men who are about to undergo a radical prostatectomy or have undergone a prostatectomy.
Our brachytherapy support group
This is for men who are about to undergo brachytherapy or have undergone brachytherapy
The purpose of these support groups is not to replace the advice from your doctor or other healthcare professionals. We are here to:
Seek and offer support
Ask questions
Share information
Share personal stories and experiences of prostate cancer
To join one of these support groups please e-mail: ceo@prostate-ca.co.za
Dr Michael Mol is a Medical doctor so he knows how important it is to take the test every year for prostate cancer.
Men with a family history of prostate cancer should start screening at the age of 40.
So don’t wait ’til it’s too late.
Take the test!
Columnist, Solly Moeng is one of those men who is diligent about going for his annual health checks. His annual check-ups include a PSA test. Solly describes how this led to the early detection of prostate cancer. Thankfully, early treatment with a robotic assisted prostatectomy has been successful and Solly is now cancer free.
Find out why one of South Africa’s top urologists, Dr Lance Coetzee, takes the test for prostate cancer every year.
Find out why Barry Hilton takes the test every year.
When screening tests such as a PSA blood test and/or a digital rectal examination reveal that prostate cancer is a possibility, an MRI is helpful, but the diagnosis will be made by performing an ultrasound guided biopsy. Unfortunately the expertise & equipment to perform ultrasound guided prostate biopsies just doesn’t exist in most rural areas which is probably why most men in these areas present with prostate cancer when it has already spread (metastatic prostate cancer). At this point, prostate cancer cannot be cured, which is why we at the Prostate Cancer Foundation believe that something needs to be changed.
Making prostate cancer biopsies available in rural areas is no mean feat. It requires cooperation between teaching hospitals who can provide the expertise, the private sector who can help by donating some of the equipment and a doctor with a passion for improving men’s health in South Africa. All of these came together during November 2019 when Siemens donated an ultrasound machine to us. The Dr with the passion for men’s health is Dr Riana Bornman who is also an avid researcher. The Head of Urology at Sefako Makgatho, Prof Shingai Mutambirwa is helping with the expertise.
Hopefully this will be the start of many more partnerships that can help with the early detection of prostate cancer in rural areas. We need to improve the stage at which we diagnose prostate cancer in South Africa to prevent men from suffering and dying unnecessarily.
Invitation for Applications for the Position of Patient Affairs Chairman Prostate Cancer Foundation: Free State
This is a non-remunerated volunteer position.
If you’re a prostate cancer survivor or you’ve supported someone who has/d prostate cancer and you have a passion to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the disease, then read on.
If you’re one of those individuals who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved in order to make a difference, then consider applying for the position. You need to be a team player, as you’ll be working together with our branch medical chairman.
Some useful characteristics, abilities and personality traits:You definitely have a passion for men’s health.You’re able to get on with people and work with them even when you don’t always agree with them. You’re a networker, so if you can’t do something yourself, you know just the right person who can, and you’ll persuade then to do it for free.You’re able to see the bigger picture and put your ego aside when necessary in order to get the job done. You have integrity and even if you’re crazy busy you still honour your commitments.
Still Interested?
Please send your CV to our CEO: e-mail: ceo@prostate-ca.co.za Got questions? – call (Andrew) on 083 6160162
Thulani Sibisi, winner of the 1986 Two Oceans Marathon and a prostate cancer survivor is passionate about raising awareness for prostate cancer. Despite the difficulties caused by the treatment he received for his prostate cancer, he completed his last Soweto marathon in 2016. As a founding member of this marathon it is particularly close to his heart and he wanted to do one more race to show men that despite prostate cancer they can and should continue to stay active. The Soweto Marathon has been a great supporter of The Prostate Cancer Foundation and we are at the registration Expo every year. Visit our stand if you’re participating.
If your life has been affected by prostate cancer you may wish to get involved in some way in order to make a difference in the lives of others who have been affected. Our patient affairs division provides the opportunity for prostate cancer survivors and their families to join in and help. We need volunteers to assist with fundraising, to help create awareness and to support others who have been affected by prostate cancer. Contact Iain Johnston at patientaffairs@prostate-ca.co.za and help to make a difference.