This Movember, Get Your Prostate Checked

In subsequent years, Movember has become a movement with over 5 million supporters, funding over 1200 men’s health projects in over 20 countries.

How it works

In November, men all over the world grow their moustaches and get friends and family to donate to the cause. Women can also support by encouraging men to have a ‘mo-ment’ and take the action they need to live a longer, healthier life. Key areas covered by Movember include:

• Prostate cancer
• Suicide prevention
• Testicular cancer
• Mental health

The Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, a walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid responsible for nourishing and transporting sperms.

In Kenya, prostate cancer, oesophagal cancer and colorectal cancer are the leading types of cancers that affect men, with prostate cancer recording the highest numbers.

What are the symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

In the early stages, prostate cancer may have no symptoms. They present in later stages and include:

• Blood in urine
• Erectile dysfunction
• Bone pain
• Trouble urinating
• Decreased force in the urine stream
• Losing weight without effort
• Blood in semen

Who is most at risk of Prostate cancer?

Any man can be affected by prostate cancer. However, there are groups of men that are most at risk of its occurrence. These include;

• Older age - the risk of developing prostate cancer increases as you age. The most common diagnosis is for men above the age of 50
• Race - For an unknown reason, prostate cancer is more common, advanced and aggressive in black men than those of other races.
• Family history-Risks increase for men who have blood relatives who have previously had prostate cancer. This is also true for men whose families have a strong history of breast cancer.
• Obesity-Studies show that prostate cancer is more prevalent in obese people as compared to those with average body weight.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

The primary diagnosis tool is screening. A protein-specific antigen blood test and a digital rectal examination are the standard tests used to screen for prostate cancer.

All men aged above 50 and all men at risk are encouraged to get screened at least once every year. Those with lower risk are encouraged to get screened every two years from the age of 50. Your doctor can advise on the frequency.

We are here to help

A prostate cancer diagnosis can be devastating. At UAP Old Mutual, we understand this and are here to help ease the burden. Our critical illness cover can help you focus on getting better by:

• Taking care of the treatment costs related to the cancer diagnosis
• Extend treatment to hospitals outside the country
• Cater to the transport costs where an ambulance is involved
• Pay for assisted living equipment such as wheelchairs or a hired nurse.
• Provide a higher limit than that of an ordinary medical cover

Most men are built with the urge to carry the world on their shoulders, but you don’t have to. This Movember, get a helping hand from UAP Old Mutual and our critical illness cover