Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Categories
UFS News Media Release Research
Years
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Months
January February March April May
Previous Archive
12 February 2024 | Story André Damons | Photo SUPPLIED
Dr Matthew Benedict
Dr Matthew Benedict, Senior Lecturer and Medical Specialist in the Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State.

Prostate cancer and the mortality rates associated with it, particularly among black men, are on the rise in South Africa, regardless of the existing national guidelines for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening. These increases represent a significant public health concern.

This is according to a recent study by Dr Matthew Benedict, Senior Lecturer and Medical Specialist in the Department of Family Medicine in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS). Dr Benedict graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy degree at the December 2023 graduation ceremonies. Alongside his colleague, Dr Chika Egenasi, they became the first PhD holders with a specialisation in Clinical Family Medicine at the UFS.

This study could help elevate awareness around prostate cancer and ultimately enhance screening practices aimed at black men.

Dr Benedict says prostate cancer cases increased from 29 per 100 000 men in 2007 to 68 per 100 000 men in 2018. PSA screening remains a practical method for early detection and improved outcomes, despite the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. The existing approach to prostate cancer screening, however, fails to adequately address the unique challenges faced by black men.

Underrepresentation of men's health issues

Dr Benedict says his study therefore sought to identify gaps relating to the prostate cancer screening approach in the Free State by simultaneously exploring two perspectives – that of primary healthcare providers and black men (healthcare users) – and the proffered strategies to address the identified gaps.

The decision to embark on this research stemmed from the observed underrepresentation of men's health issues in South African healthcare systems and media. Dr Benedict highlighted that despite the existence of national registries for breast and cervical cancers, there is a notable absence of a similar registry for prostate cancer (PCa). 

“This lack of prioritisation and emphasis on secondary prevention strategies tailored to PCa is evident. Additionally, the racial disparities in PCa morbidity and mortality are exacerbated by inadequate representation of black men in research on this disease,” he says. 

Low screening uptake

In the Free State, which has the lowest life expectancy compared to the national average, the black population faces disproportionate challenges related to lower socioeconomic status and poorer health outcomes. Prioritising equitable access to essential primary healthcare services, including screening, is crucial in this context. 

Dr Benedict explained that the findings of his research revealed that aggressive prostate cancer is prevalent among black men in the study setting, with poor knowledge and awareness of the disease and low screening uptake being observed. “Factors such as dietary habits, lifestyle, and presentation time were associated with aggressive disease at diagnosis, and cultural beliefs influenced screening uptake among men.

“Factors associated with a higher intention to screen included reduced fear, perceived benefits, situational barriers, and perceived risk of developing prostate cancer. The majority of the primary healthcare providers demonstrated poor knowledge (64.8%), neutral attitudes (58.6%) and poor practice (40.0%) related to prostate cancer screening. Female providers, lower cadre nurses and community health workers had lower knowledge scores.”

The study also found lack of prostate cancer-related continuing education was significantly associated with poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and poor practice among healthcare providers. The study proposed strategies to address the identified gaps among black men and primary healthcare providers. Community-oriented approaches involving the active participation of both healthcare providers and community members were emphasised. These strategies focused on the discussion of prostate cancer health education topics in public spaces, employing diverse, comprehensive, user-friendly, and culturally sensitive methods.

Delay in diagnosing

According to Dr Benedict, the delay in diagnosing prostate cancer among South African individuals is linked to the absence of a dedicated screening programme, and a predominantly rural population facing challenges like low socioeconomic status, high unemployment rates, and limited health literacy. Cultural perceptions of the disease, men's perspectives on masculinity and illness, a hesitancy to seek help, and a reluctance to assume the sick role also contribute.

“Furthermore, adherence to strong traditional beliefs often steers individuals towards consulting traditional healers instead of seeking medical assistance in clinics or hospitals. Numerous barriers to accessing health services in impoverished rural communities compound the issue, leading to instances of ‘lost to follow-up’ [patients who drop out of research studies or treatment programmes].”

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer might not exhibit noticeable symptoms during its initial stages, explained Dr Benedict, but as the condition progresses patients may experience diverse symptoms. The majority of these patients commonly experience signs of bladder outflow obstruction, such as a weakened urine stream, hesitancy in urination, nocturia, and a sense of incomplete bladder emptying. In certain instances, the tumour can lead to acute urinary retention. Advanced prostate cancer may present with symptoms linked to ureteric obstruction or bony metastasis. Night-time pain that alleviates with movement can result from bone metastasis.

According to the researcher, the primary focus of the research is on screening and early diagnosis. Screening involves assessing apparently healthy individuals for the presence of a disease, even if symptoms are not evident. While specific symptoms like lower urinary tract symptoms may indicate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or urinary tract infections rather than prostate cancer, the presence of more advanced symptoms like lower back pains, weight loss, and bloody urine often suggest a more progressed stage of the disease.

Enhanced screening practices

The study highlights deficiencies in prostate cancer screening of black men in the Free State, and Dr Benedict said he anticipates receiving support to facilitate the implementation of the recommended strategies stemming from this research. Implementing the proposed targeted strategies designed for black men and their primary healthcare providers has the potential to elevate awareness and knowledge and ultimately enhance screening practices among black men.

News Archive

Inaugural lecture: Prof Robert Bragg, Dept. of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology
2006-05-17



Attending the inaugural lecture were in front from the left Prof Robert Bragg (lecturer at the Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology) and Frederick Fourie (Rector and Vice-Chancellor).  At the back from the left were Prof James du Preez (Departmental Chairperson:  Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology) and Prof Herman van Schalkwyk (Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences). Photo: Stephen Collett
 

A summary of an inaugural lecture delivered by Prof Robert Bragg at the University of the Free State:

CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS AVIAN DISEASES – LESSONS FOR MAN?

Prof Robert R Bragg
Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology
University of the Free State

“Many of the lessons learnt in disease control in poultry will have application on human medicine,” said Prof Robert Bragg, lecturer at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology during his inaugural lecture.

Prof Bragg said the development of vaccines remains the main stay of disease control in humans as well as in avian species.  Disease control can not rely on vaccination alone and other disease-control options must be examined.  

“With the increasing problems of antibiotic resistance, the use of disinfection and bio security are becoming more important,” he said.

“Avian influenza (AI) is an example of a disease which can spread from birds to humans.  Hopefully this virus will not develop human to human transmission,” said Prof Bragg.

According to Prof Bragg, South Africa is not on the migration route of water birds, which are the main transmitters of AI.  “This makes South Africa one of the countries less likely to get the disease,” he said.

If the AI virus does develop human to human transmission, it could make the 1918 flu pandemic pale into insignificance.  During the 1918 flu pandemic, the virus had a mortality rate of only 3%, yet more than 50 million people died.

Although the AI virus has not developed human-to-human transmission, all human cases have been related to direct contact with infected birds. The mortality rate in humans who have contracted this virus is 67%.

“Apart from the obvious fears for the human population, this virus is a very serious poultry pathogen and can cause 100% mortality in poultry populations.  Poultry meat and egg production is the staple protein source in most countries around the world. The virus is currently devastating the poultry industry world-wide,” said Prof Bragg.

Prof Bragg’s research activities on avian diseases started off with the investigation of diseases in poultry.  “The average life cycle of a broiler chicken is 42 days.  After this short time, they are slaughtered.  As a result of the short generation time in poultry, one can observe changes in microbial populations as a result of the use of vaccines, antibiotics and disinfectants,” said Prof Bragg.   

“Much of my research effort has been directed towards the control of infectious coryza in layers, which is caused by the bacterium Avibacterium paragallinarum.  This disease is a type of sinusitis in the layer chickens and can cause a drop in egg product of up to 40%,” said Prof Bragg.

The vaccines used around the world in an attempt to control this disease are all inactivated vaccines. One of the most important points is the selection of the correct strains of the bacterium to use in the vaccine.

Prof Bragg established that in South Africa, there are four different serovars of the bacterium and one of these, the serovar C-3 strain, was believed to be unique to Southern Africa. He also recently discovered this serovar for the first time in Israel, thus indicating that this serovar might have a wider distribution than originally believed.

Vaccines used in this country did not contain this serovar.  Prof Bragg established that the long term use of vaccines not containing the local South African strain resulted in a shift in the population distribution of the pathogen.

Prof Bragg’s research activities also include disease control in parrots and pigeons.   “One of the main research projects in my group is on the disease in parrots caused by the circovirus Beak and Feather Disease virus. This virus causes serious problems in the parrot breeding industry in this country. This virus is also threatening the highly endangered and endemic Cape Parrot,” said Prof Bragg.

Prof Bragg’s research group is currently working on the development of a DNA vaccine which will assist in the control of the disease, not only in the parrot breeding industry, but also to help the highly endangered Cape Parrot in its battle for survival.

“Not all of our research efforts are directed towards infectious coryza or the Beak and Feather Disease virus.  One of my Masters students is currently investigating the cell receptors involved in the binding of Newcastle Disease virus to cancerous cells and normal cells of humans. This work will also eventually lead to a possible treatment of cancer in humans and will assist with the development of a recombinant vaccine for Newcastle disease virus,” said Prof Bragg.

We are also currently investigating an “unknown” virus which causes disease problems in poultry in the Western Cape,” said Prof Bragg.
 
“Although disinfection has been extensively used in the poultry industry, it has only been done at the pre-placement stage. In other words, disinfectants are used before the birds are placed into the house. Once the birds are placed, all use of disinfectants stops,” said Prof Bragg.

“Disinfection and bio security can be seen as the ‘Cinderella’ of disease control in poultry.  This is also true for human medicine. One just has to look at the high numbers of people who die from hospital-acquired infections to realise that disinfection is not a concept which is really clear in human health care,” said Prof Bragg.

Much research has been done in the control of diseases through vaccination and through the use of antibiotics. “These pillars of disease control are, however, starting to crumble and more effort is needed on disinfection and bio security,” said Prof Bragg.

Prof Bragg has been working in close co-operation with a chemical manufacturing company in Stellenbosch to develop a unique disinfectant which his highly effective yet not toxic to the birds.

As a result of this unique product, he has developed the continual disinfection program for use in poultry. In this program the disinfectant is used throughout the production cycle of the birds. It is also used to ensure that there is excellent pre-placement disinfection.

“The program is extensively used for the control of infectious diseases in the parrot-breeding industry in South Africa and the product has been registered in 15 countries around the world with registration in the USA in the final process,” said Prof Bragg.

“Although the problem of plasmid mediated resistance to disinfectants is starting to rear its ugly head, this has allowed for the opening of a new research field which my group will hopefully exploit in the near future,” he said.

 

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept