A staggering 86% of men in South Africa do not go for regular health check-ups, which places them at heightened risk of preventable illnesses, including prostate cancer, according to the findings of a nationwide survey by an insurer.
The survey findings published by 1Life Insurance showed that only 14% of men undergo routine health screenings, while 33% admit they only seek medical help when symptoms arise. Health experts warn that this reactive approach undermines early detection, which is often the difference between life and death.
According to the National Cancer Registry, South African men face a 1-in-16 lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer – the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men globally. Black men, in particular, face a higher likelihood of developing aggressive forms of the disease.
1Life Insurance chief medical officer Dr Avron Urison said, “Early detection is one of the strongest tools we have, but without regular screenings, many men only discover prostate cancer when it has progressed, limiting treatment options.”
Risk factors include age, genetics, obesity, and lifestyle choices. Poor diets, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and smoking significantly increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
Dr Urison notes that rapid urbanisation is reshaping South Africa’s eating habits – and not for the better.
Despite these dangers, 45% of men surveyed said they simply do not know where to begin when it comes to health screenings, reflecting a critical gap in health education.