Men are at risk for a variety of health issues and are significantly less likely than women to report symptoms to their healthcare providers. Statistics show that only 60% of men attend their yearly physical and 40% of men will not see a doctor or seek medical attention until symptoms are serious.5 With Men’s Health Month in June, now is the perfect time to focus on men’s health risks and proactive steps for prevention. Let’s explore common conditions that men are more susceptible to and discuss effective strategies to enhance overall health and well-being, reducing the risk of these conditions.
Men are at risk for certain cancer types, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and increased risk of colorectal cancer.3 Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in men, affecting 1 in 8 men in the United States over the age of 65.3 Men are typically asymptomatic in the early stages of prostate cancer, but as it progresses, symptoms include frequency or difficulty urinating and blood in the urine. Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that can occur in two areas of the large intestine: the rectum or colon. It is more common in males, occurring in 1 in 23 men in the US.3 Risk factors include advanced age, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and high consumption of red meat and/or processed meats. Common symptoms of colorectal cancer are abdominal pain, bloating, unintentional weight loss, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea and constipation. Regarding testicular cancer, most men are asymptomatic, but the most common symptom is a lump in the testicular area.3
Below are five tips that outline some ways to enhance men’s health and reduce cancer risk.
- Load up on antioxidants. Plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes contain antioxidants. Antioxidants aid in the protection of disease through their role in cell repair and removing bodily toxins. Additionally, antioxidants have a variety of anti-inflammatory properties. Lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, has been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells in several studies.1
- Move your body. Exercise has a variety of benefits including reducing inflammation, improving blood flow and immune function and regulating hormones like testosterone. It is recommended that adult men participate in about 150 minutes of moderate/vigorous exercise every week.4 Higher levels of exercise have shown to play a role in prevention of cancer and optimizing overall health.4
- Prioritize sleep. Poor sleep quality can cause dysregulation of the immune system which can increase the risk of cancer and other diseases. Studies show that improving sleep quality supports brain function and promotes immune system health. Additionally, it allows the body to recover from the day before and increases alertness, focus, and productivity for the upcoming day. Aim for between seven and nine hours of sleep per night.2
- Make self-care a priority. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, therefore increasing the risk of cancer development. Self-care is not only for women, and men should prioritize their mental health as well. Self-care can look different for everyone, with some examples including partaking in a favorite hobby, spending time with friends or family, and connecting with nature. Incorporating self-care you’re your life is an ongoing and important process to implement that looks different for everyone, so do what makes you feel at ease and take care of your mental health.2,4
- Get an annual physical. A yearly check-up at the doctor’s office is one of the best ways to stay on top of your health. There are a variety of screening tools and tests that can detect early signs of cancer and other health conditions, and getting screened regularly can help prevent or provide early detection and treatment of these conditions.4
For a printable, summarized version of this information, click here.
References:
- Singh, K., Bhori, M., Kasu, Y. A., Bhat, G., & Marar, T. (2018). Antioxidants as precision weapons in war against cancer chemotherapy induced toxicity – Exploring the armoury of obscurity. Saudi pharmaceutical journal: SPJ: the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society, 26(2), 177–190.
- Kohn, T. P., Kohn, J. R., Haney, N. M., Pastuszak, A. W., & Lipshultz, L. I. (2020). The effect of sleep on men’s health. Translational andrology and urology, 9(Suppl 2), S178–S185. https://doi.org/10.21037/tau.2019.11.07
- Cancer facts for men: Common cancers in men. Common Cancers in Men | American Cancer Society. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/understanding-cancer-risk/cancer-facts/cancer-facts-for-men.html
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, November 23). 7 healthy habits that can lower your risk of cancer. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/cancer-prevention/art-20044816
- Men’s Health Month: Five things to know. blogs. (2023, June 22). https://medicine.iu.edu/blogs/spirit-of-medicine/mens-health-month
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