Janssen talks about the prostate
At Janssen, we dedicate ourselves to scoring Victories Over Cancer every day. Our innovative research has us looking to the future with hope. However, our mission to make cancer a manageable, even curable, condition takes time. Until then, we also keep looking for everyday Victories over Cancer, small or big. One such example is making sure that cancer is found at the earliest stage possible. This is especially important in the case of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer for men in Belgium. 1 in 10 men are affected.1 Still, prostate cancer is often detected too late, all too often because men (still) do not discuss the health of their prostate with their doctor. Our colleague Aurelie Weerts (Account & Sales Manager Oncology Belgium) sees everyday how talking about prostate cancer can contribute to a small victory over cancer:
“The symptoms sometimes only occur once the cancer has spread. Therefore, we must do everything to avoid this, which is why we want to inform especially young men about this topic. We want an open communication about the prostate, and we want to encourage everyone to join the conversation. This way, a timely chat with your doctor can contribute to a small victory over this disease.”
#ProstaatPraat (#ProstateTalk)
That’s why we launched our #ProstaatPraat-campaign this November in order to raise more awareness about the prostate and prostate cancer. This way, we want to engage more men and women in the conversation about prostate cancer, not only with their doctor, but also in their relationship and social environment. Men still seem to find it difficult to start a conversation about the prostate. There seem to be two reasons for this: men generally know little about this organ, and it continues to be a taboo-topic. With our #Prostaatpraat-campaign we want to address both these issues and show everyone that talking about the prostate is important.
The prostate, the unknown organ
The prostate is a gland located under the bladder. It has the size of a walnut, and it produces the prostate-fluid.2 This fluid protects the sperm cells during ejaculation, allowing them to penetrate the egg cell. The prostate therefore plays a vital role in the reproduction process. Even if you can’t see it, men should be aware of the potential problems that can occur. The three main affections are: a prostate infection, a benign prostate enlargement, and prostate cancer.3 The two first of which are generally quite treatable.4
Initially, prostate cancer does not result in specific symptoms or complaints, and therefore often goes unnoticed for a long period. Talking with your doctor – even when you do not experience complaints - is therefore advised. A doctor can follow-up on the health of your prostate and refer to a specialist if needed. Doing so, prostate cancer can be detected in an early stage.
Want to know more? Follow our campaign this November on social media and share your story!