Online Reporter
Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
NOVEMBER is Men’s Health Month, a time to remind ourselves that men’s health matters.
Too often, men neglect their own well-being, brushing off warning signs or putting off check-ups until problems become serious.
One of the conditions that deserves special attention is prostate cancer, which affects the small gland located just below the bladder. This gland plays an important role in producing semen, but as men grow older, it can also become a source of trouble.
In Zimbabwe, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Many cases are discovered late because men hesitate to seek help or are unaware of the early signs. Yet, when caught early, prostate cancer is often treatable and outcomes are very good.
In the early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms at all. When they do appear, they are often related to how the prostate affects urine flow. Some men notice that they struggle to start urinating, or that the stream of urine is weak or stops and starts. Others find themselves waking up several times at night to pass urine, or feeling as though their bladder never quite empties.
There may also be pain or burning when passing urine, or even blood in the urine or semen. Some men feel discomfort in the lower back, hips, or pelvis, especially if the disease has spread beyond the prostate. These symptoms should never be ignored, even if they seem mild at first.
It’s important to remember that not every urinary problem means cancer. Other conditions can produce similar symptoms. A very common one is benign prostatic enlargement, which simply means the prostate grows bigger with age. This is not cancer, though it can make urination difficult. Prostatitis, which is inflammation or infection of the prostate, can also cause pain and fever. Sometimes even a urinary tract infection can produce similar signs.
Because these problems can look alike, only proper medical tests can confirm what’s really going on. That’s why guessing or using home remedies can be risky — a doctor’s assessment is essential.
When a man visits a clinic or hospital with these symptoms, the doctor may start by performing a digital rectal examination, where the prostate is gently checked through the back passage. Though it may sound uncomfortable, the test is quick and can provide useful information about the size and texture of the gland.
A PSA blood test is also commonly done. This test measures the level of prostate specific antigen, a protein made by the prostate. High levels can be a sign of prostate cancer, but they can also rise for other reasons such as infection or enlargement. Depending on the findings, the doctor might recommend further tests like an ultrasound, an MRI scan, or even a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken to confirm if cancer cells are present. These investigations can be done at major hospitals and laboratories in Mutare and other cities in Zimbabwe.
Screening is testing for disease before symptoms appear. For prostate cancer, it mainly involves the PSA blood test and sometimes a rectal examination. African men above the age of 40 are encouraged to discuss screening with their healthcare provider. Men with a family history of prostate cancer should generally start screening earlier.
Early detection makes all the difference. A simple blood test and check-up once a year could prevent many advanced cases that are difficult to treat.
Men are often the pillars of their families and communities, yet they are also the most likely to ignore their own health. Whether it’s due to work, pride, or fear, many wait until symptoms are severe before seeing a doctor. Men’s Health Month is a reminder that real strength includes looking after yourself. Prostate cancer can be silent, but it’s also one of the most curable cancers when found early.
During this month, take a moment to encourage the men in your life; fathers, brothers, friends, and colleagues, to get checked. A short visit to the clinic could save a life.
In Mutare and across Zimbabwe, awareness, regular screening, and early treatment are the most powerful tools we have in the fight against prostate cancer.
For more on prostate cancer and screening, contact [email protected]
