By Celani Sikhakhane
- Dumisani Pakkies from uMlazi was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer in 2020 despite having no symptoms at all.
- He says many black men still believe prostate cancer is caused by witchcraft and delay treatment by visiting traditional healers.
Dumisani Pakkies from uMlazi township has a powerful message for black South African men: stop ignoring prostate cancer.
Pakkies, a qualified accountant and cancer survivor, says many black men still believe prostate cancer is a white man’s disease or a form of witchcraft called ilumbo. Because of this, they turn to traditional healers instead of doctors.
He was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer in 2020, even though he had no symptoms at the time. “When I was diagnosed, I had no symptoms at all. Nothing. And yet, I was already at stage 3,” he said.
Pakkies says early detection can save lives, and waiting until symptoms show can be deadly. “There’s no use in avoiding the doctor, only to end up in diapers, unable to walk or feed yourself,” he said.
He urged men to get checked regularly and talk about the disease. “Let’s talk about prostate cancer the same way we talk about soccer, politics or religion. Because silence is killing us.”
He spoke during an event attended by KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi, who thanked him for sharing his story.
According to the Department of Health, men over 50 should have yearly check-ups. Those with a family history should start at 45.
Simelane-Mngadi said prostate cancer is a silent but deadly disease that hits black men the hardest.
Pictured above: Prostate cancer survivor from uMlazi township Dumisani Pakkies has issued a stern warning against black men who refuse to visit doctors for cancer screening.
Image source: KZN Department of Health
