Cansa Urges Men to Seek Prostate Checks

The Cancer Association of South Africa has launched its Strong Men Take Action campaign, encouraging men to seek medical advice about body changes.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Men’s Health

Live Poll

Do you plan to get a routine prostate or health check-up this year?

The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) launched its Strong Men Take Action campaign in November 2026, encouraging men to consult healthcare professionals about changes in their bodies. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men globally and in South African men.

Why it matters

Prostate cancer may develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages, and early detection can change the outcome of the disease. The campaign seeks to prompt men in South Africa to seek testing before symptoms appear.

The lifetime risk of prostate cancer for South African men is 1 in 17, according to the National Cancer Registry 2024. Research indicates the risk for aggressive prostate cancer is higher in black men, though the underlying causes are not addressed in the campaign material.

The players

Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa)

Cansa is a non-profit organisation that provides cancer support, counselling and care services across South Africa.

Stuart Hopwood

Hopwood was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer while having no symptoms, after a routine PSA blood test requested by his GP.

The details

Cansa Care Centres offer a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and a healthcare professional must investigate any elevated levels. Cansa recommends annual PSA testing from age 40 for high-risk men, from age 45 for moderate-risk men, and every two years from age 50 for all men.

November 2026: Cansa launches the Strong Men Take Action campaign.
From age 40: Annual PSA testing recommended for high-risk men.
From age 45: Annual PSA testing recommended for moderate-risk men.
From age 50: PSA testing every two years recommended for all men.
Ages 15 to 49: Men are advised to examine their testicles monthly.

Health Landscape

The campaign's 1 in 17 lifetime risk figure comes from the National Cancer Registry's 2024 estimate, placing the call for earlier testing within South Africa's national cancer surveillance data. Its emphasis on PSA screening reflects the broader international recognition of prostate cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men.

Men aged 40 and over may wish to discuss a PSA blood test with a healthcare professional, particularly if they are at higher risk. Cansa Care Centres offer the test, and the organisation provides free counselling and support groups for those affected by cancer.

The takeaway

Men experiencing changes in their bodies should consult a healthcare professional rather than waiting for symptoms, as early detection can change the outcome of prostate cancer. Monthly self-examination of the testicles is also advised for men aged 15 to 49.