The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) has launched its Strong Men Take Action campaign this November, urging men to overcome fear, embarrassment and misconceptions about cancer and seek medical advice before potentially life-threatening conditions go undetected.
The nationwide awareness initiative focuses on prostate and testicular cancer, encouraging men to recognise changes in their bodies, discuss their personal cancer risks with healthcare professionals and access appropriate screening services.
The campaign comes against a significant public health challenge. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among South African men, with a reported lifetime risk of one in 17, according to National Cancer Registry figures cited by CANSA.
Research also indicates that black South African men face a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer, reinforcing the importance of accessible health information, early detection and appropriate medical care.
Lorraine Govender, CANSA’s National Manager of Health Programmes, said misconceptions about cancer can create additional barriers to seeking help.
“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men globally and in South African men, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 17 (National Cancer Registry 2024). Research also indicates that the risk for aggressive prostate cancer is higher in black men,” Govender explained.
She emphasised that cancer is a medical condition, not a consequence of myths or beliefs that may circulate within communities, and that early diagnosis can improve treatment prospects.
Because prostate cancer may develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages, CANSA is encouraging men to discuss their individual risk and appropriate screening options with healthcare professionals rather than waiting for warning signs.
For Stuart Hopwood, that message is deeply personal.
Hopwood was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer despite experiencing no symptoms. The diagnosis followed a routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test requested by his general practitioner.
“Feeling well can be deceiving. My diagnosis came through a routine PSA blood test requested by my GP. It came as a major shock as I felt fine, and I really battled to come to terms with the diagnosis,” he said.
His experience demonstrates why the absence of symptoms should not automatically be interpreted as an absence of disease.
Hopwood has since become an advocate for men taking greater responsibility for their health and speaking openly about medical concerns.
“Simply have yourself tested regularly, as early detection can change the outcome. Men tend to have the idea that we are strong, and nothing can harm us,” he said.
He believes traditional expectations around masculinity can make it more difficult for men to acknowledge vulnerability, discuss symptoms or seek professional assistance.
“My advice to all men is that we need to take our health seriously,” Hopwood added.
Beyond the medical consequences of cancer, CANSA is highlighting the emotional and social challenges experienced by patients and their families.
Hopwood described how support from his wife, children and close friends has helped him cope with the physical and emotional effects of his diagnosis and treatment.
“You can look fine, but emotionally and internally you are suffering with aches, pains and fatigue,” he said.
His experience reinforces the importance of family relationships, community support and access to counselling as part of comprehensive cancer care.
CANSA provides free counselling and support groups for people affected by cancer and their families, while its Care Homes offer accommodation for patients receiving treatment away from their communities.
These services address challenges that extend beyond diagnosis, including emotional distress, social isolation and the practical difficulties associated with accessing treatment.
The organisation’s Care Centres also offer PSA blood testing, which can identify elevated PSA levels that may require further medical investigation.
An elevated PSA result does not necessarily mean a person has prostate cancer, and further assessment by a healthcare professional is essential.
CANSA recommends annual PSA testing from age 40 for men at high risk, including those with more than one first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65.
For men considered at moderate risk because of their family history, the organisation recommends annual testing from age 45.
For other men, CANSA recommends testing every two years from age 50.
Screening decisions should also take individual risk factors and medical advice into account, as PSA testing has potential benefits and limitations.
The campaign additionally highlights testicular cancer, which is less common than prostate cancer but remains an important health concern among younger men.
CANSA encourages men aged 15 to 49 to become familiar with their testicles through monthly self-examination, preferably after a bath or shower, and to seek medical assessment if they notice a lump, swelling, discomfort or unexplained change.
A central element of Strong Men Take Action is bringing conversations about men’s health into everyday community spaces.
Through partnerships with the Hollard Daredevil Run and Takealot’s Check Your Package awareness campaign, CANSA is using public participation, visibility and humour to challenge stigma surrounding prostate and testicular cancer.
The Hollard Daredevil Run partnership also supports awareness and funding for access to screening services.
These collaborations demonstrate how corporate social investment and community engagement can contribute to public health education by reaching audiences outside traditional healthcare settings.
They also reflect the value of partnerships between nonprofit organisations, businesses and communities in encouraging conversations that men may otherwise avoid.
By normalising discussions about cancer screening and treatment, the initiative aims to reduce the social barriers that can delay medical consultations.
The campaign’s emphasis on emotional support also recognises that cancer affects relationships, families and communities, not only individual patients.
For CANSA, encouraging men to seek medical advice is therefore part of a broader effort to improve health awareness, strengthen support networks and promote earlier engagement with healthcare services.
“Strong men take action. Men are invited to take care of their health by taking the next step,” Govender concluded.
Men seeking information about cancer risks, screening services or support can visit www.cansa.org.za or contact their nearest CANSA Care Centre.
