As a man approaches his 40s, and after that, health management becomes one of his top priorities. The diagnosis and control of cancer stand out. In fact, cancer is a disease that is not selective to age, most of the types start to increase in incidences with age in men. The focus of this article will be on the cancers that most men over the age of 40 should be aware of and how they should seek to prevent or detect them early.
Need for Focus on Cancers
Every man should know how to avoid and manage cancer, as it becomes more threatening with age. Recent research indicates that males over 65 years have a 30% chance of receiving a cancer diagnosis. Given that everybody fears this possibility, it might be wise to point out that many of such cancers would be preventable or would have easy treatments if timely detection was guaranteed. Men aged forty years and above need to understand the risk factors of cancer and how to mitigate them, which underscores the importance of raising awareness about this issue.
Prostate cancer: a widespread concern for older men
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in male patients, and it occurs very frequently in those over 50 years old. The prostate gland is relatively small in size but provides a specific function: its fluid helps to move sperm forward; it is located below the bladder, and as men grow older, they become at risk of having prostate cancer.
New findings report that almost 1 in 8 men will undergo prostate cancer diagnosis at some point in their lifetime. The positive aspect is that most of the time prostate cancer is indolent, and even older men diagnosed with the illness live for long periods without any treatment required at all.
Despite the lack of scientific proof, men aged 40 should consult their physician about prostate cancer screening. It typically includes the PSA test, which is a blood sample used to detect the most common male cancer by age.
Colorectal Cancer: Take Care of Your Guts
Colorectal cancer typically affects the lower GI tract that contains the colon and rectum. It is more common in older males than younger ones. Lesions of the colon and rectum represent the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy in males, with a higher diagnosis rate after fifty years of age than fifty percent.
However, regular screening of patients without symptoms or complaints can often prevent this disease from occurring. These screenings are capable of detecting certain small growths known as polyps before they advance to cancer. These can be removed by the physician during colonoscopy. It uses a narrow, flexible tube equipped with a camera and other surgical instruments.
Lung cancer: a lethal form of cancer but preventable
Lung cancer has the highest fatality rate due to its prevalence in the male population. Although anyone can develop lung cancer, women under the age of 65 have the lowest incidence of this disease. The greatest contributing agent for this type of carcinoma is inhalation of cigar smoke; still, there are cases of this illness among people who have never smoked.
The latest research has shown that nearly one out of every fifteen men is expected to get lung cancer in their life. The best way to avoid getting lung cancer is never to smoke and to quit smoking if one does. Other measures should also be taken, such as avoiding inhaling smoke from others as well as any other pollutants in the air.
For men who have a history of heavy smoking, lung cancer screening is now possible. Smokers who are older can go for a low-dose CT scan.
Skin Cancer: Protecting the biggest organ in your body
Skin cancer is nowadays commonly diagnosed everywhere. It shows higher prevalence amongst men as compared to women. Many forms of skin cancer exist. The worst type is melanoma. Men’s skin cancer risk increases with age, including melanoma.
Over the last few decades, research has identified that melanoma, as well as deaths due to melanoma, are far more common in older men than in women of comparable age. Men’s frequent outdoor activities and relatively low sun protection behaviors may contribute to this.
Bladder cancer: an often overlooked threat
Bladder cancer is yet another one affecting mainly older men. It develops more in men as compared to women. This cancer is diagnosed at 73 on average, but men should be on the lookout after 40.
However, numerous studies have confirmed that smokers are more likely to develop bladder cancer. More specifically, smokers have an approximate trinomial risk of developing bladder cancer as compared to non-smokers. Other risk factors include chemical intake and genetically informed predisposition to the disease.
Hematuria is the symptom that most bladder cancer patients present with. If you extrapolate on your self-diagnosis and see it turning to bleeding even once, go visit a physician immediately. It is possible to treat bladder cancer effectively with the proper medical intervention thanks to early diagnosis.
Pancreatic Cancer: A Silent but Serious Threat
Pancreas cancers are one of the least common cancers, alongside breast and lung cancers. They are, however, some of the deadliest. This is because any potential signs of the disease cannot be easily screened for when they are in the early stages. In most cases, it does not present with symptoms until it is extremely advanced. Most studies suggest that there is a higher risk in men as opposed to women, with the risk factor increasing with age.
Recently, it was found that there is an increased risk for pancreatic cancer in many individuals. Some of these risk factors include smoking, an overweight condition, diabetes, and consumption of diets with a very high intake of red and processed meats.
Although this has no consensus of screening for pancreatic cancer, individuals who are male, above 40 years of age, should note the following: sometimes unexplained weight loss, pain or tenderness in the abdominal or back, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. If you have them, call your doctor right now.
Taking action: prevention and early detection
Learning about cancer risks is a pretty scary subject, so remember that knowledge is power. This means that by knowing about these risks, a man in his 40s and above will be able to defend his health and catch problems early enough.
To begin with, prevention of cancer can be achieved by the following measures:
Do not smoke or if you do quit: it is never too late to quit smoking.
Proper diet and work-out to keep fit.
Decrease the alcohol intake: if you drink alcohol, keep it within limits.
Limit exposure to the sun by using sunscreen, proper dressing, and don’t tanned beds.
Attend regular medical check-up sessions and follow up on any need to perform cancer screening tests. Age and other risk factors will help your doctor determine the most appropriate screening tests to perform.
Knowing one’s family health history is pertinent. Some tumors are hereditary; therefore, in such cases, family history is useful for you and the physician in making proper health choices.
Always be cautious with your body. If your body exhibits any abnormalities or symptoms, don’t ignore them. Go see a physician without delay.
To wrap it up:
Firstly, cancer is an increasing risk with age; however, it is not a necessary consequence of aging. Early diagnosis can prevent or effectively treat several cancers. If you remain aware and care for your health, the risks of developing cancer are modest, and with that, the prospects of living are heightened.
In conclusion, men over 40 should prioritize their health, particularly their cancer-related health. By being aware of the dangers, scheduling routine exams, and leading a healthy lifestyle, you may manage your health and lower your chance of acquiring cancer. Take advantage of this opportunity now to invest in a healthy future, as your health is in your own hands.
References:
- American Cancer Society. “Cancer Facts & Figures 2024.” www.cancer.org
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/understanding-cancer-risk/cancer-facts/cancer-facts-for-men.html
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. “Colorectal Cancer: Screening.” www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/men-above-40-must-watch-out-for-these-types-of-cancer/articleshow/111317519.cms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “What Are the Risk Factors for Lung Cancer?” www.cdc.gov
- Skin Cancer Foundation. “Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics.” www.skincancer.org
- American Urological Association. “Bladder Cancer.” www.auanet.org, https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/4-types-of-cancer-likely-to-affect-men-over-40-8952625.html
7. “Pancreatic Cancer Facts 2024.” www.pancan.org