Prostate cancer doesn’t make much noise. It doesn’t demand attention like some other illnesses do, but its silence is exactly why it’s so dangerous. Sitting there, slowly growing, prostate cancer can exist for years without symptoms, a hidden threat many men remain unaware of until it’s too late. And that’s the problem—by the time you start noticing something’s wrong, the situation may already have spiralled into something that’s much harder to manage.

Understanding Prostate Cancer

 This common form of cancer begins in the prostate, a small gland about the size of a walnut, which sits below the bladder in men. The prostate is part of the reproductive system, playing a role in producing seminal fluid. As with most cancers, early detection is key to successful treatment. When detected early, prostate cancer is highly treatable, but the real danger lies in its ability to progress without obvious warning signs.

Most men are blissfully unaware of their prostate until something goes wrong. While many cases of prostate cancer grow slowly and might not cause major issues, aggressive forms can spread quickly, affecting other parts of the body. The risk of leaving it unchecked simply isn’t worth taking.

Why Regular Check-ups Matter

 Routine check-ups act as a powerful line of defence against prostate cancer, but here’s the challenge: men, by and large, tend to avoid going to the doctor until something forces them to. In a world where the idea of “toughing it out” still holds sway, men are often reluctant to seek medical attention, especially when it comes to intimate health matters. Yet, regular screenings could mean the difference between early, effective treatment and facing more invasive measures down the line—or worse.

A simple blood test, known as the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, can provide invaluable insight. Elevated PSA levels may indicate an issue, prompting further investigation. Combined with a digital rectal exam (DRE), where a doctor feels the prostate for abnormalities, these screenings are essential tools for early detection. And it’s these early screenings that help doctors catch the cancer while it’s still manageable.

Who’s at Risk?

 Prostate cancer is not something that happens to just anyone; it has a few clear risk factors. Age is the biggest one, with men over 50 being more likely to develop it. For African men, the risks are even higher, with African men having a higher likelihood of developing aggressive forms of prostate cancer at an even earlier age. Family history plays a significant role, as well. If a father or brother had dealt with prostate cancer, your risk more than doubles.

But even if you don’t fall into one of these high-risk categories, regular check-ups remain crucial. You might feel perfectly healthy, but that doesn’t mean that all is well. Cancer doesn’t play by the rules of obvious symptoms, and prostate cancer is particularly good at staying hidden until the damage has already begun.

Early Detection Saves Lives

 Here’s the good news: early detection means more treatment options. It can mean less invasive treatments, fewer side effects, and a significantly better chance of survival. For many men, prostate cancer can be cured—if detected early. On the other hand, once the cancer spreads beyond the prostate, the treatment becomes more complex, with a greater impact on quality of life, and a much lower survival rate.

Regular check-ups offer peace of mind, as well as the opportunity to take control of your health. A few minutes with a doctor could reveal a problem that you didn’t even know was there, and give you the chance to tackle it head-on.

Overcoming the Stigma

 For some men, the idea of undergoing a prostate exam feels uncomfortable or embarrassing. But it’s important to move past this mindset. The embarrassment lasts only a few moments, but the benefits of early detection can make a world of difference. If you’re hesitant, it helps to remember that you’re not just doing this for yourself. Family, friends, and loved ones depend on your health and well-being, as well. Encouraging conversations about prostate health, and normalising the idea of regular check-ups, can help to reduce the stigma. Men need to feel free to discuss the issue openly, with their peers as well as medical practitioners.

Taking the First Step

 Prostate cancer may be silent, but this is no reason for men to be. It’s time to start talking, asking questions, and, most importantly, scheduling those regular check-ups. If you’re over 50, or have a family history of the disease, now is the time to act. Don’t wait for symptoms. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Dr Masemola: Dr Masemola – The Square Shopping Centre @Sunninghill (sunninghillsquare.co.za)