This September, Prostate Cancer Awareness month, The Urology Hospital will participate in the “I took the Test” campaign in partnership with Astellas and The Prostate Cancer Foundation by providing free PSA tests.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in SA and showing significant increases. The lifetime risk for prostate cancer in men in South Africa is approximately 1 in 4 for Black African men and 1 in 8 for white males. International and local research indicates that the risk for aggressive prostate cancer is higher in black men.
Race is a major risk factor for prostate cancer, with black African men having a 60 percent increased risk for prostate cancer. They’re also about 2,5 times more likely to die from the disease than other races. “It is greatly recommended that men of African origin screen from the age of 40 and that other ethnic groups start from 45. Early detection is key and those with a family history of prostate cancer should be screened often.”” says Malcolm Anthony, Chief Executive Officer at the Urology Hospital.
“There are usually no symptoms of prostate cancer in the early stages. Screening regularly may have the benefit of early cancer detection when it is still potentially curable. Once it has metastasized there is no cure.”, says Andrew Oberholzer CEO of The Prostate Cancer Foundation.
The PSA test is a blood test to assist in the detection of prostate abnormalities. A high PSA score can be due to prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate, or an infection. The PSA is best done together with a digital rectal examination.
Requirements for free testing at The Urology Hospital, Pretoria on allocated dates:
- Men from the age of 40 in the black community and who have a family history of prostate and/or breast cancer in a first-degree relative.
- Men from the age of 45 years for all other races.
- Testing is not for patients who have been diagnosed and/or treated for prostate cancer.
Date: Friday 16th September between 10am – 4pm and
Saturday 17th September between 9am – 2pm
Venue: The Urology Hospital, Pretoria
- Media contact: Farah Manuel on 076 051 4233 or Farah@werisecommunications.co.za
- Hospital contact: Lebo Mangcwatywa on 012 423 4069 or lebohangm@urology.co.za
- Visit urology.co.za and follow The Urology Hospital, Pretoria on all social media platforms.
The Urology Hospital, Pretoria
The Urology Hospital, Pretoria, is the only urology centre of excellence in Africa. With more than 20 urologists under one roof, using the latest in highly specialised technology as well as specialised urology-trained nursing staff, it offers unparalleled expertise in its field. In addition, the hospital maintains its association with the academic world to ensure ongoing research, medical education and training, and development in the field of urology.
The hospital prides itself on being at the forefront of technology. It was the first hospital in South Africa to perform robotic surgery, and implement a robotic pharmacy picking system and now has one of only a handful of 3D laparoscopic surgical units in South Africa. The hospital has undergone major renovations and now offers 127 beds and eight theatres.
The Urology Hospital not only cares about patients and staff but also for the community, undertaking numerous Corporate Social Investment initiatives throughout the year. The hospital and staff work together to assist selected charities, including donations to The Clothing Bank, uniforms for Sunnyside Primary School, and stationery for Balebogeng Primary School.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation NPC
Established in 2005 as a non-profit company with the aim of minimising the impact that prostate cancer has on South African men and their families.
It is this involvement of the medical specialists who research and treat prostate cancer, the companies that develop the treatments, and the patients and their families affected by the disease that makes our organisation unique and enables us to fight the disease from all angles.
We use every opportunity that we get to educate men and their families about prostate cancer. This includes men’s health presentations to corporates, government departments, community groups, sports clubs, and churches. One of the most effective ways to educate men about prostate cancer is through one-on-one education at our Prostate Cancer Foundation stand at wellness days and events, using trained volunteers, wellness advisors, and nurses.
We provide prostate cancer information leaflets at doctor’s rooms and clinics throughout South Africa. We provide comprehensive multimedia information on prostate cancer through our website and social media. We will strive to ensure that prostate cancer achieves the appropriate levels of awareness that it deserves. One of the main ways that we do this is through our annual Suit Up September campaign. We ask men and women to wear a suit on the 27th of September and to purchase a “Suit Up September” sticker to help create awareness about prostate cancer. All funds raised are used to support the education, awareness, and research initiatives that we implement.
