In Eswatini, prostate cancer has emerged as a silent yet daunting threat, slowly reshaping the health landscape for men.
Traditionally perceived as a disease of old age, recent observations from health facilities indicate a worrying trend, men as young as 30 are being diagnosed with prostatomegaly, a condition where the prostate gland enlarges beyond its normal size.
While prostatomegaly does not always mean cancer, it can signal abnormal cell growth that may progress to prostate cancer.
The presence of this condition among younger men underscores a critical issue that is too often ignored.
This article highlights ‘The Silent Threat: Why Young Men in Eswatini Cannot Afford to Ignore Their Prostate Health’, emphasising the urgent need for awareness, de-stigmatisation and proactive health-seeking behaviours to safeguard men’s well-being.
Understanding the Silent Threat
The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder that plays a vital role in male reproductive health.
The challenge with prostate cancer is that it often develops silently, without early symptoms. By the time warning signs appear, the disease may already be at an advanced stage.
For young men in Eswatini, several factors increase vulnerability:
– Family history: Having a close relative with cancer significantly raises the risk
– Genetics and ancestry: Men of African descent, including Swati men, are more likely to develop prostate cancer at younger ages due to genetic predispositions.
– Hormonal influences: Elevated levels of male hormones such as testosterone and androgen have been linked to prostate cancer development.
Why Young Men Should Act Now
Because prostate cancer is less common in younger men, international guidelines do not recommend routine screening before the age of 40–45.
However, this does not mean that young men should be complacent. Instead, vigilance and healthy lifestyle choices are essential for prevention.
Prostate-friendly habits include:
– Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
– Reducing intake of saturated fats.
– Engaging in regular physical exercise.
– Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
– Practising safe sex and ensuring regular ejaculation, as some studies suggest it may benefit prostate health.
By adopting these habits and staying attuned to their health, young men can build a strong foundation for lifelong prostate wellness. The message is simple yet powerful: prostate health is not optional, it is a necessity.
Ekuphileni Clinic: Partnering in Men’s Health
At Ekuphileni Clinic, we are committed to advancing men’s health through early detection, expert care and comprehensive health services. Our patients benefit from:
– General practitioner consultations, nursing care and minor surgical procedures.
– A fully stocked in-house pharmacy for convenient access to essential medications.
– Access to specialist care, including urology (with a dedicated urologist focusing on men’s health and prostate conditions), orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, neurology, dermatology, paediatrics, psychiatry, and more
– Advanced diagnostic services including CT scans, MRI, mammography, ultrasound, X-rays, fluoroscopy and EEG.
Take the Next Step
The silent threat of prostate cancer is already here. Protecting prostate health must start early with awareness, lifestyle choices and regular check-ups.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit www.ekuphileniclinic.com or call 2408 9500 / 7602 3380.
