Popular Durban Bishop, Vusi Dube has encouraged men in their 40s to do their routine medical check-ups as this could save their lives. This is after the founder of eThekwini Community Church discovered that he has prostate cancer. ZiMoja learnt that the controversial pastor spent two days in hospital this week while doctors were running more tests after the diagnosis.

THE DIAGNOSIS

Speaking to ZiMoja, Bishop Dube says he had never felt any pain or discomfort prior to his diagnosis. "I do my check-ups regularly," he said. He says he was shocked when doctors told him he has cancer. "I was surprised and taken aback, I thought it was a mistake because I am not in any pain," he said. The Bishop was admitted to hospital for two days as the doctors ran more tests which confirmed the earlier diagnosis. Dube tells ZiMoja that he is lucky to have discovered his cancer early. The pastor and politician say cancer does not discriminate; as it kills both black and white.

RAISING AWARENESS

Dube says the reason why he is opening up about his cancer is that he wants to encourage black men to get tested because cancer can hide until it is too late. "There are many things that can cause cancer, it is also genetic, the more we educate our people the better. Pastor says he is definitely going to use his influence and power to raise awareness about cancer. "I want us as black men to be united and end the shame that comes with cancer, I will be going to different places to raise awareness along with other survivors to share their journey and struggles, cancer can be defeated especially if you find it early," he says. Dube says he will be starting his treatment soon. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for South African men. When detected early, prostate cancer survival rates are more than 98%. If found late‚ the survival rates drop below 26%.