THANKS to a Zululand Observer and Cansa initiative, two lives may have been saved due to early detection of potential prostate problems.
The Cansa uThungulu ‘PSA Challenge’ at the Boardwalk Inkwazi shopping centre on the last Saturday of November saw 52 brave over-40 males line up for PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests.
Two qualified nurses took blood samples which were sent to medical laboratories for examination.
Test results were sent back to the relevant medical professionals as indicated on the individuals’ registration forms.
‘We have been informed that two of the samples tested positive for abnormalities, which in effect means we may have helped to saved lives or at least enabled early intervention in treatment,’ said Cansa uThungulu Community Mobiliser, Lizelle van Zyl.
‘Our primary aim was to draw attention to male cancers and the need for early detection and annual check-ups, and we certainly succeeded in this.
‘By doing it in a public place we were also able to reach many men who otherwise might never have gone to a doctor.
‘We will definitely be making this a yearly event and hope to roll it out not only to other parts of South Africa but even to the rest of the world.’
