The Prostate Cancer Foundation
We hear how the Prostate Cancer Foundation came about and the success of their latest Suit Up September campaign.
SA prostate cancer stats
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in South Africa (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer).
If prostate cancer is detected in the early stages, the chance of survival after five years is over 98%. However, if the cancer has spread (metastasised), only approximately 30% of men survive.
Black African men have a 60% higher risk for prostate cancer and are twice as likely than white males to die from the disease.
Early detection through age appropriate screening is the key to preventing prostate cancer deaths but many South African men are either unaware of this or don’t have access to screening.
Prostate Cancer Foundation
Dr Lance Coetzee, chairman of the Prostate Cancer Foundation and one of its founding members, explains how the organisation was started back in 2007, “Given the challenges that we face in South Africa with prostate cancer, having an organisation dedicated to this disease was a necessity. A group of specialists with a passion for prostate cancer were able to engage with other parties who had an interest and together we set up The Prostate Cancer Foundation. Archbishop Desmond Tutu graciously agreed to be our patron.”
Although the organisation is led by healthcare professionals, it’s unique in that it caters for all the role players. Patients can volunteer through the Foundation’s Patient Affairs Board. The board plays a crucial role as they spearhead the Foundation’s education and awareness initiatives.
Companies who have products for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer can become members of the Foundation’s Marketing and Strategic Planning Board.
The Foundation’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, headed by Prof Shingai Mutambirwa, is representative of the many different healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. They ensure that all content produced by the Foundation is scientifically accurate and assist with patient queries and the development of programmes to improve clinical standards relating to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
Suit Up September
September is prostate cancer awareness month and every year the Foundation runs an awareness campaign called Suit Up September. The Foundation’s CEO, Andrew Oberholzer explains, “We ask individuals, sports clubs, companies, healthcare professionals and academic departments to choose any day in September to “suit up” and to wear an official Suit Up September badge purchased from us. All funds raised are used to support our education and awareness programmes.”
“This year we hosted a virtual charity challenge. Participants could select any activity and complete it in their own time wherever they were. It was a great success and definitely something that we’ll continue with next year.”
Ambassadors
When it comes to talking to men from the townships, the Foundation has a formidable weapon in the form of Thulani Sibisi, a former Two Ocean’s marathon winner. Thulani is a prostate cancer survivor who was treated with surgical castration.
“My involvement in marathon running has given me a platform that I have used to educate men about prostate cancer and the importance of screening. Men should talk more openly about prostate cancer.”
Hollard Daredevil Run
The Prostate Cancer Foundation is a beneficiary of the Hollard Daredevil Run. This is an annual event held in March, aimed at raising awareness about prostate and testicular cancer. Men run through the streets of JHB in purple speedos.
“It’s fun and a great way to get men talking” says the Foundation’s Patient Affairs Board chairman, Iain Johnston, who has survived prostate and lung cancer.