Prostate cancer is curable - take the test early and save your life!
2 September 2026
For Immediate Release
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, is calling on all men to take charge of their health by undergoing annual prostate cancer screenings. Early detection saves lives, and this month MISA proudly supports the “Suit Up September” campaign to raise awareness and encourage men to act.
On the latest episode of MISAtv, Andrew Oberholzer, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, explained that misconceptions about testing often prevent men from seeking help. Many men worry that the test for prostate cancer is invasive. But Andrew says the dreaded rectal exam is no longer necessary at the very early stages, only a simple blood test is required,
“We’ve changed the guidelines now. If you are not having any symptoms, it’s just a simple PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test. This test can detect early changes in the prostate long before symptoms appear,” Oberholzer said.
Prostate cancer results from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the prostate gland. This gland produces part of the fluid in semen. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, near the base of the penis.
Prostate cancer is the second most deadly cancer in men after lung cancer, yet it is highly treatable when detected early. About 95% of men survive at least five years after early diagnosis, but survival rates drop sharply when the disease is advanced. Symptoms often only appear once the cancer has progressed, making proactive testing essential.
Research confirms that Black African men face a higher risk of prostate cancer and a more aggressive disease and they are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer compared to white men, with mortality rates in Sub-Saharan Africa significantly higher than global averages
Martlé Keyter, CEO of Operations at MISA, added: “As a union, we care deeply about the wellbeing of our members and their families. We urge men to make prostate cancer testing part of their annual health check-up. Women can also play a vital role by encouraging their partners to get tested. Together, we can break the silence and save lives.”
Men can participate in awareness initiatives such as “Suit Up September” by dressing in suits and purchasing campaign stickers, or joining events like the Hollard Daredevil Run, which raises awareness for prostate and testicular cancer.
The latest MISAtv interview can be viewed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLbfNxTvIco
Issued by Sonja Carstens, Manager: MISA Media & Communication Department, on behalf of the Union. For media enquiries, contact Phakamile Hlubi-Majola at 083 367 6417 or email [email protected].
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