Under the theme “ Let’s break the taboos, screening saves », the 4th edition of the male cancer awareness campaign began on Wednesday November 6, 2024 at the Institute of Infectious Diseases Pr. Daniel Gahouma (IMIPDG). As part of Blue November, the Ministry of Health chose this site to encourage men to be screened, particularly for prostate cancer, the most common among them.
After a month of October dedicated to the fight against women’s cancers, Blue November focuses on men’s health, reminding men of the importance of early detection. Dr Ghislain Mbadinga-Nzamba, general surgeon and urologist, stressed the need for men aged 40 to 65 to be screened. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lifestyle and age are major risk factors for prostate cancer.
A call to break taboos and save lives
During this launch day, the patients present were able to benefit from free consultations and clarification on the issues of screening. “ Prostate cancer is the leading cancer in men. Discovered late, it has serious consequences, both for the individual and for the country’s economy. “, explained Dr Mbadinga-Nzamba, noting that the disease often develops with age.
To remove taboos, the specialist emphasized the importance of rectal examination, an examination that is often poorly perceived. “ Rectal examination can detect an increase in the volume of the prostate. In medicine, the clinical examination remains essential, and touching the patient allows us to gather crucial information », Specified Dr Mbadinga-Nzamba. This examination, although sensitive, remains an essential means of early detection of abnormalities which can develop into cancer.
Mobilization for prevention
Prostate cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer death among men. However, early detection considerably increases the chances of recovery, recalls the specialist. Blue November thus offers an opportunity for men to take action for their health by participating in screenings. For Dr Mbadinga-Nzamba, “getting tested is an essential act of prevention, which can save lives”.
Through this campaign, the IMIPDG and the Ministry of Health hope to raise awareness among as many men as possible of the importance of being screened, thus contributing to better management of this silent but potentially fatal cancer.
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