September has been declared Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, prompting health organizations to strongly urge South African men to assess their risks and prioritize early detection of the disease.
Despite rising incidence rates, many South African men remain unaware of prostate cancer. A 2023 study among Black men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the Free State found that less than a quarter of them had heard of the disease before diagnosis.
Another 2023 study conducted among men in Limpopo revealed that nearly two-thirds lacked sufficient awareness of prostate cancer, and over 80% were unaware of screening methods.
Black men face increased risk
The risk is particularly high for South African men. During their lifetime, one in four Black men and one in eight white men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Black African men have a 60% higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to white men and die from the disease 2.5 times more often.
Andrew Oberholzer, CEO of the South African Prostate Cancer Foundation, noted that Black African men are also more prone to developing aggressive forms of prostate cancer than Black Americans. Studies across Africa are investigating genetic factors that may explain the increased risk.
According to Globocan, a specialized World Health Organization cancer research agency, prostate cancer is currently the most common type of cancer in South Africa and the second leading cause of death among South African men after lung cancer.
Early detection can save lives
When prostate cancer is detected and treated before it spreads beyond the prostate, over 99% of men survive five years after diagnosis. However, a 2026 South African study by scientists from Walter Sisulu University showed that late-stage presentation remains a serious issue, indicating gaps in early detection, referral delays, and limited access to PSA testing.
PSA, or Prostate-Specific Antigen, is a protein produced by the prostate. A blood test measures PSA levels and helps detect prostate cancer. Elevated PSA levels may require further examination and consultation with a urologist.
Oberholzer emphasized: 'A feeling of health does not necessarily mean there is no prostate cancer, as the disease often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages.' He added: 'Regular PSA screening, appropriate to age and risk, gives men a better chance of detecting the disease at an early stage when treatment is potentially curative, and outcomes are generally much better.'
Know your risk
Prostate cancer originates in the prostate—a small gland located directly beneath the bladder. Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms, whereas advanced forms can manifest as difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, bone pain, weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue.
Risk increases with age, and it is also higher for men with close relatives, especially a father or brother, who had prostate cancer. The younger the relative was at the time of diagnosis, the higher the risk. A family history of breast cancer is also associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, while inherited genetic factors account for up to 57% of a man's susceptibility to developing this disease.
Men considered to be at high risk are recommended to undergo annual PSA screening from age 40, while men at average risk should begin screening at age 45.
Awareness Campaign
Initiatives such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation's Suit Up September campaign and the annual Hollard Daredevil Run aim to encourage more South African men to talk about prostate cancer, understand their risks, and consider getting screened.
This year's Hollard Daredevil Run will take place on October 23rd, with proceeds going to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). These funds help raise awareness about prostate and testicular cancer and expand access to PSA screening in communities where access remains limited.
Adele Kriel, Head of Experiences Marketing for Hollard South Africa, stated: 'Too many South African men still know too little about prostate cancer, their personal risk, and the importance of getting screened. We must continue to change this conversation.'
The Prostate Cancer Foundation has also announced the development of the first comprehensive prostate cancer registry in partnership with the non-profit data analysis organization Health Quality Assessment and various professional medical societies.
Oberholzer's message to South African men is simple: 'Do not wait for symptoms.' He urged men to understand their risk, speak with a healthcare provider or local clinic, and get tested, noting that early detection can save lives.