Men’s Health Cancer Prevention
Cancer is a formidable adversary, impacting the lives of millions of people around the world on a daily basis. It's a disease that can strike fear into our hearts, but it's important to remember that prevention is a powerful weapon in this fight. While it may initially seem like a daunting challenge, the truth is that there are concrete and practical steps you can take to significantly lower your risk of developing cancer.
Let’s take a look at these strategies and lifestyle choices that can empower you to stand strong and take control of your health.
Knowing the risks
Cancer can manifest in various forms and understanding the risks associated with each type is where the work begins. For men, some of the most common cancers include prostate, lung, colorectal and testicular cancer. These risks are usually influenced by age, genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer often develops silently in its initial stages and doesn’t usually have noticeable symptoms. So, the primary method of detection is through screenings, which include routine prostate examinations and PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood tests. The screening process doesn’t necessarily have universal guidelines. This makes it even more important to have regular check-ins with your doctor, especially if you are over the age of 45.
Tip: Never ignore these symptoms: sudden urinary problems and erectile dysfunction/pain.
Colon cancer
Colon cancer ranks amongst the most preventable forms of cancer and when it comes to both prevention and early detection, colonoscopy stands as the gold standard. This screening procedure is very effective at locating and removing precancerous polyps and detecting early-stage tumours. If you are 45 years and older, have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, it's important to speak with your doctor regarding colon cancer screening. Your doctor will guide you through the process, which includes bowel preparation the night before the procedure. Not to worry, this preparation is safe and straightforward. If your physician recommends a colonoscopy, follow their advice and schedule the procedure.
Tip: Don't wait for symptoms to appear; proactive screening can save lives.
Making better choices
Screenings are just step one of your prevention arsenal. The importance of a healthy diet cannot be stressed enough. Start by maintaining a balanced diet. This means plenty of fruit. Make berries your besties (they are packed with antioxidants), fill up on oranges and grapefruit for Vitamin C and don’t forget apples, watermelon, pears and bananas. Almost every fruit has a health benefit.
When it comes to the green stuff, you want to make sure your plate is more than half-filled with vegetables; the greener and fresher, the better. Aim for a veggie serving at least every day. You really can’t go wrong with spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and pumpkin.
For protein, focus on lean meat, wholegrains and if you are obese or overweight – make the effort to lose the excess weight. Obesity is linked to various cancers, so do your best to mitigate this risk by shedding the extra kilos.
Smoking is a leading cause of cancer. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk. In the same vein, excessive alcohol consumption can increase cancer risk. Limit your intake to a moderate level.
Focus on feeling good, too. A good dose of daily sunshine does wonders for mood, well-being and your health. Still, skin cancer is a significant concern, especially for men who spend lots of time outdoors. Protect your skin by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and regularly checking for unusual moles or growths.
Soothe your stress
Chronic stress can lead to inflammation, which may increase your cancer risk. Manage stress through techniques like mindfulness, meditation and regular exercise. Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you or someone you know is facing cancer, look for help from cancer support groups, counselling services and other available resources. There’s always help out there!
Good to know
Be mindful about practising safe sex; limit your number of sexual partners and use a condom. The more sexual partners you have, the higher your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection, such as HIV or HPV.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.