Men and Cancer: Prevention and Early Detection

Cancer affects both men and women, but certain types of cancer are more common in men. Prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer are among the leading causes of cancer deaths in men. Fortunately, there are steps men can take to reduce their risk of developing these cancers and detect them early when they are most treatable.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and risk increases with age. Men can reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet that is high in fruits and vegetables, and getting regular exercise. There is some evidence that a diet high in plant-based foods may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Screening with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test can detect prostate cancer in its early stages, but there is ongoing debate about the benefits and harms of PSA screening.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men worldwide, and smoking is the primary cause of the disease. Men can reduce their risk of lung cancer by avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Occupational exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos and radon can also increase a man’s risk of lung cancer. Screening with low-dose CT can detect early-stage lung cancer in high-risk individuals, such as current or former smokers.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Men can reduce their risk of colorectal cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet that is high in fiber and low in red and processed meats, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Screening with colonoscopy can detect precancerous polyps that can be removed before they turn into cancer.

In addition to these steps, men should also be aware of their family history of cancer and talk to their healthcare provider about their individual risk and appropriate screening recommendations. Early detection and treatment are key to improving outcomes for men with cancer.