November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media

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…

November 30, 2020 Word for Word Media
Dr Nirasha Chiranjan gives us a rundown on the facts about prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in men worldwide, with an estimated 1 600 000 cases and 366 000 deaths annually. The incidence generally rising with age; it is more likely to develop in older men, age 65 and older. The overall five-year survival rate is over 98%.  In developed areas, prostate cancer is increasingly being diagnosed when the tumour is confined to the prostate, due at least in part to screening with prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Risk factors Age: The incidence increases after the age…

March 20, 2019 Word for Word Media
CANSA informs us of the top five cancers that affect men in South Africa. Elize Joubert, CANSA’s CEO, says that it is of great concern that the number of men being diagnosed with late stage cancer is on the rise. “Men need to be pro-active about their health and should recognise warning signs.  We encourage monthly testicular self-examinations, annual medical check-ups and cancer screening for early detection, as symptoms don’t always present until cancer has spread. Men also need to lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle, cutting out lifestyle factors that increase their cancer risk.”  With this said, below are the…

March 20, 2019 Word for Word Media
Prostate cancer survivor, James Howard, tells us how freezing his sperm before his prostatectomy  allowed him and his fiancé, Gayle de Hoog, to become parents. James (59) and Gayle (41) live in Newlands, Cape Town with their son, Luke (14 months). Gayle is currently pregnant with twins. When James was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2014, he and Gayle had just rekindled their relationship after a 16-year break. Gayle was living in the UK and had come over to SA for a holiday. She arranged to fly back to SA to care for him for a few weeks post treatment. After…

February 5, 2019 Word for Word Media

South Africa’s most daring 5km run is back and ready to raise eyebrows while raising awareness of male cancers. Men of all ages, shapes and sizes are called upon to help paint Jozi purple once again as the Hollard Daredevil Runreturns to the streets of Johannesburg on Friday 15 March 2019 to run cancer outta town. Kicking off at 15h00, the 5km fun run challenges the city’s bravest males to strip down to purple Speedos and run through the streets in the name of a good cause.  The “Run-not-a-race” encourages men of all ages, shapes and sizes to run five kilometres through peak…

July 27, 2018 Word for Word Media

Johan Drotskie shares how an unrelated bone marrow transplant saved his life. Johan Drotskie (47) lives in Randburg, Gauteng with his wife and their four-legged kids. Wednesday, 30 July 2003   The day had finally arrived. My family is gathered anxiously in the hospital room as we await the arrival of my unrelated donor bone marrow. A middle-aged gentleman enters the room with a cooler bag, extracts a drip bag with 100ml of bone marrow which he connects. An hour later, I have new bone marrow, a new chance at life and a brighter future.   Late 1994/early 1995   I decided to…

July 27, 2018 Word for Word Media

Routine screening tests are crucial for early diagnosis. Discovery Health highlights the most important screening tests for men. Screening tests, such as those available through the Discovery Health Medical Scheme Screening and Prevention Benefit, find diseases early when they are easier to treat.  For example, with early detection, colon cancer can be nipped in the bud while diagnosing diabetes early may help prevent complications, such as vision loss and impotence. It is estimated that nearly half (48,7%) of South Africans with high blood pressure (hypertension) have never been screened. Therefore, remain undiagnosed. They are unaware of their increased risk for heart…