A new study has predicted that cancer rates for males will surge by an alarming 84 per cent over the next three decades. Yahoo News reports that cancer deaths are also expected to increase by 93.2 per cent, according to a paper published in the American Cancer Society’s research journal, CANCER.
Why are men considered to be more at risk of cancer?
Previous research has shown that globally, the cancer incidence risk is 19 per cent higher for men than it is for women, while cancer deaths are 43 per cent higher for males. Lung cancer is currently the most prevalent form of cancer in males, and it is also the leading cause of cancer deaths for males.
This is attributed to the fact that men are more likely to smoke tobacco products than women. Significant increases in prostate cancer incidences and deaths are also predicted by 2050, and this may be partly due to the fact that there are no national screening programmes as there are for female specific cancers such as breast and cervical cancer.
Men may also be more likely to have lifestyles that increase the risk of cancer, such as drinking excessively, being overweight, working with industrial toxins, and visiting the doctor less frequently than women.
However, Healthline reports that Tingting Tan, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist and haematologist at City of Hope Newport Beach, CA, warned that the reasons for the disparity in rates of male and female cancer are complex, and warned of the dangers of making generalisations.
Tan explained: “Studies have shown that men are more likely to be exposed to industrial hazards — including asbestos or industrial toxins — in their workplace.”
“However, the differences in cancer rates have remained consistently higher in men even when women work the same jobs and have similar lifestyles that include smoking and drinking. Researchers have believed for a while that the difference was solely due to variations in lifestyle choices, but we now know that it is much more complex than that.”
There may also be a genetic explanation for the disparity, according to Tan: “Females have an additional copy of certain protective genes in their cells that men do not have.”
What can men do to reduce their risk of developing male-specific cancers?
There are a number of ways that men can reduce the risk of developing or dying from male-specific cancers such as prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Early detection is key to successful treatment for these types of cancer, so regular screening is strongly advisable.
Although there are not yet any national screening programmes in place for male specific cancers, men are entitled to a prostate cancer blood test if they request one from their GP. This is especially important for men over the age of 50, or earlier if they have a family history of prostate cancer or are of Afro Caribbean descent.
Men should also carry out testicular self-examinations to check for any lumps or changes, and any concerns should promptly be followed up with a visit to the doctor. Enlarged prostates are a common problem for older men, and symptoms include needing to urinate more frequently or difficulty emptying the bladder.
The majority of the time, an enlarged prostate is a treatable condition and not a sign of cancer. If men should undergo treatment for prostate cancer, they may find that erectile dysfunction is a side effect of the treatment. In this case, a doctor may prescribe medication such as tadalafil (the trade name for Cialis), which is effective for the majority of men.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle is another factor known as a contributor to the risk of certain cancers. Men who cannot avoid working with hazardous substances should follow the safety guidelines at all times, and be vigilant that their employer has a robust health and safety policy, which is up to date and properly enforced at all times.
Eating a well balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins and low in red and processed meats is also linked to a reduced risk of cancer. A healthy diet can also help to manage weight and avoid obesity, which is a known cancer risk.
Recent Comments