Insurance
Prostate cancer myths – debunked
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, with many myths surrounding it. While cancer diagnostics and treatments are making great strides, early detection remains critical. Dr Friedel Kerchhoff, a senior medical adviser at Sanlam, debunks five of the more common myths and offers practical advice for confident living.
Prostate cancer myth #1: “I don’t have symptoms, so why screen?”
Fact: Prostate cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making screenings crucial for early detection.
Prostate cancer myth #2: “Prostate cancer is incurable”
Fact: Contrary to this belief, prostate cancer has various treatment options, many of which have good outcomes.
Prostate cancer myth #3: “Screening tests do not help”
Fact: Since symptoms do not often occur with early-stage prostate cancer, screening can make a huge difference – resulting in early detection and allowing for more treatment options and a better outcome.
It’s important to discuss your risk factors, and whether you should have screening tests performed, with your healthcare provider. Risk factors include older age, family history, lifestyle and race. Black men are more likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer myth #4: “Screenings are embarrassing and painful”
Fact: While discomfort may be a concern, modern procedures have come a long way in ensuring patient comfort. One of the common screenings is a simple blood test.
Prostate cancer myth #5: “Prostrate cancer treatment always causes impotence”
Fact: Although some types of prostate cancer treatment may require surgery, radiation therapy or hormone therapy, others may only require active surveillance or watchful waiting. Like most treatments, cancer treatments have potential risks and side effects. However, these side effects aren’t always present.
Prioritise your health
Regular prostate cancer screenings from the age of 40 are crucial, especially for high-risk men. Sanlam’s Cancer Benefit supports unexpected costs of a diagnosis. Prioritise your health – contact your Sanlam financial adviser to plan confidently for the future.
Sanlam Life Insurance Limited is a licensed life insurer, an authorised financial services provider and a registered credit provider (NCRCP43).
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