Men must watch their health

Men often tend to keep health issues to themselves, hoping things will improve. 

However, this approach usually doesn't work, especially for health concerns, and often leads to seeking help only when conditions have worsened.

Prostate cancer is a significant contributor to male cancer fatalities, with over 4 000 men diagnosed annually in South Africa. 

The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in men 50 or older. While the exact causes are largely unknown, factors like obesity may increase the risk.

Research indicates that the causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown. However, certain factors can elevate your risk of developing the condition.

Studies suggest that obesity contributes to the risk of prostate cancer. Somewhere on this page, a medical expert depicts a grim reality concerning this health issue.

The troubling reality surfaces within South Africa's demographics: men are living, on average, seven years shorter than their female counterparts. 

With a life expectancy of approximately 62 years for men, compared to 69 years for women, this alarming gap raises essential questions about health behaviours and systemic issues within the country.

The statistics illustrate a stark picture of the health landscape in South Africa. Factors contributing to this disparity are not merely numbers; they embody individual lives, families, and communities.

To prevent cancer or to detect it early, men are advised to undergo a test known as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This test measures the level of PSA and may assist in the early detection of prostate cancer.

Healthcare experts are now advocating for a shift in how health is approached and understood among men. Initiatives aimed at promoting educational campaigns about healthy living and regular health check-ups are gaining momentum.

As the country prepares for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September, men are encouraged to dismantle cultural barriers and foster open dialogue about health concerns. Advocates hope to empower men to take charge of their well-being.