Taking Charge

Here’s a look at the five most commonly diagnosed cancers in men, and the signs and risk factors that shouldn’t be ignored.

- Amy Greenburg

It’s no secret that women are more inclined to talk more openly about their health and the health of their families, offering advice about diet, workouts and other wellness-related matters that men generally don’t discuss socially – which could be why males in most parts of the world tend to be in worse health than females are. Studies show that men are nearly twice as likely as women to die from the types of cancers that affect both sexes; they’re also more than 50 percent more likely to develop those cancers, and they have poorer survival rates. It’s no surprise, really, as men tend to follow less healthy lifestyles; they’re more likely to smoke, and more men than women drink to excess, according to research.

So, what can be done to keep men healthy and as cancer-free as possible? Knowing the warning signs, and the measures that can be taken to help reduce the risk of cancer, is a good start.

#1 Lung Cancer

Though non-smokers can develop lung cancer, tobacco smoke is by far the most important risk factor for lung cancer, says DR LIM HONG LIANG, Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology at Parkway Cancer Centre (PCC). “More than 85 percent of all lung cancers worldwide are attributable to cigarette smoking. Both the prevention of smoking uptake and the cessation of smoking are crucial in reducing lung cancer incidence and death,” he says.

The early stages of lung cancer don’t usually cause symptoms, but, as the cancer grows, common symptoms may include a worsening cough that doesn’t go away, breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath, constant chest pain, coughing up blood, a hoarse voice, lethargy and frequent lung infections such as pneumonia. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your own risk factors and whether or not you should be screened for lung cancer.

#2 Prostate Cancer