Men & Cancer
It’s of great concern that the number of men being diagnosed with late stage cancer is on the rise.
Knowledge is power and can change the lives of men drastically if they are aware of early warning signs and symptoms of male cancers.
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 balanced lifestyle, cutting out lifestyle factors that increase their cancer risk.
Use CANSA’s Online Lifestyle Risk Assessment Tool to evaluate your lifestyle.
We urge men and male cancer Survivors to encourage one another to invest in their health and to ask their doctor for advice on specific cancer screening tests relevant to their age, medical and family history.
Contact your local CANSA Care Centre for health awareness materials and arrange for screening for prostate, colorectal or skin cancer, or ask about scheduled visits to provide screening via our MANVan and Mobile Health Clinics, if you live in a remote area.
We provide a counselling service dedicated to providing advice to cancer Survivors. Speak to a counsellor at your local CANSA Care Centre or call our Help Desk on 0800 22 6622 to make an appointment for Tele Counselling, or email us at counselling@cansa.org.za. You can also join our Champions of Hope Facebook Group for cancer Survivors & chat to peers who are facing similar challenges.
Find general information regarding cancer, cancer types, treatment, support and risk reduction and information regarding male cancers prevalent in South Africa below.
Top Cancers Affecting SA Men:
The five leading cancers that affect South African men according to the 2022 National Cancer Registry (NCR) are prostate, colorectal, lung, melanoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma:
Other Cancers Affecting Men:
It’s also important to know about other cancers affecting men such as HPV related cancers including penile and anal cancer. More than 30 to 40 types of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) are typically transmitted through sexual contact and infect the anogenital area, which in some cases, can result in cancer.
Medical male circumcision helps to reduce Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition and transmission, and is protective for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in males, thus reducing the risk of initial or re-infection of HPV among women.
- Anal Cancer
- Breast Cancer in men
- Kaposi Sarcoma – infographic
- Paget’s Disease of the Scrotum
- Penile Cancer
Related Issues:
- Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO) – can lead to Penile Cancer
- Bathroom Frequency in Men (Causes)
- Botox Use by Cancer Survivors
- Bowenoid Papulosis – Squamous Cell Carcinoma in situ (genitalia)
- Erectile Dysfunction & Cancer Treatment
- Human Papilloma Virus Infection & Cancer – get to know the facts & about the vaccine
- Melanotan II – CANSA Issues Warning
- Lichen Planus – can lead to mouth and penile cancer
- Penile Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PeIN) – linked to penile cancer
- Position Statement & Fact Sheet Vaccines & Vaccination
- Scalp Cooling to Minimise Hair Loss
- Tattoos (Health Risks) Position Statement & Fact Sheet
Read Buddies for Life online lifestyle publication, “Oncology Buddies” for cancer Survivors and view “Oncology Buddies Big C Survivor’s Guide”
Has Cancer Touched Your Life?
We want you to know that you are not alone and that we would like to support you and your loved ones, regardless of how cancer has touched your life.
Find info & online resources to help you fight cancer and please read more about CANSA’s Holistic Care & Support which is offered at our CANSA Care Centres countrywide.
