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CANCER FACTS ON MEN |
- Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer is the most
common form of cancer in men. Over 200,000 men will be
diagnosed with prostate cancer annually and more than
40,000 lives will be lost. Men older than 50 are at the
greatest risk of developing prostate cancer. African-American men are more likely to develop prostate
cancer than Caucasian men. Early detection is the key to
treating prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society
recommends that all men 50 and over should get a
prostate exam. This will include a rectal exam as well
as a PSA blood test. African-American men who have a
history of prostate cancer in their family should
consult their doctor about starting regular exams at an
earlier age.
More
Information...
Lung Cancer
The second most common cancer in
men is lung cancer. It claims over 94,000 men a
year. On the positive side, it is the most
preventable type of cancer. By far, men who are at
the greatest risk are those who smoke. Smoking
causes more than 85 percent of all lung cancers.
Prevention is simple – if you smoke, quit! If you do not
smoke, do not start! There are many programs and
products that can help you quit smoking. Check The
Medical Center's Health & Wellness Center
calendar for a listing of when the next class
will be held or call (270) 745-0942. You may also
check T. J. Samson's Events Calendar
for a listing of available smoking cessation classes. For other ways to
help you quit smoking, consult your physician.
Skin Cancer
American Cancer Society studies
show there are 1 million cases of skin cancer each year.
Most of these are easily treated and cured.
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer.
If undetected, it can be deadly. Men with the
greatest risk of developing skin cancer are those with
fair complexions (especially redheads) and those who
spend a lot of time in the sun. Prevention is
fairly simple – avoid the sun for long periods of time
(especially during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
If you must be out in the sun, be sure to cover all
exposed areas and use sunscreen (with a 15 SPF or
higher). Detecting skin cancer in its early stages
is critical. It is important to examine your skin
on a regular basis and watch for any changes (moles,
changes in pigmentation, etc.). Be sure to report
any changes to your physician.
Colorectal Cancer
Cancer of the lower digestive
tract will be diagnosed in more than 67,000 men this
year and over 27,000 will die from it. Anyone is
at risk, but those who have a family history of
colorectal cancer and those who eat a diet high in fat
are at greater risk. The best defense against
colorectal cancer is early detection. This type of
cancer usually begins with the development of benign
polyps that become cancerous in later stages. If
detected early, these polyps can be removed before any
cancer begins. Prevention includes eating a diet
low in fat and high in fiber. Also, men 50 years
old and older should consult a physician about
scheduling regular colorectal exams.
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