Prostate Cancer
Who is at Risk?
Most cases of prostate cancer occur in men older than 50, and more than 70% of these cases are in men over 65. For reasons that are still unknown, African American men are more likely than white men to develop prostate cancer and are more than twice as likely to die from it. Having one or more close relatives with prostate cancer also increases a man’s risk of developing this disease, as does eating a diet high in animal fat.
The Best Defence : Early Detection
Prostate cancer can usually be found in its early stages by having a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
Your doctor should offer you the PSA blood test and DRE every year starting when you are 50. Talk about the benefits and limitations of testing with your doctor so that you can make an informed decision about testing. If you are at high risk for prostate cancer (if you are African American or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer at a young age), you should being having these tests at age 45.
Lung Cancer
Who is at Risk?
People who smoke are at the greatest risk of getting lung cancer and a host of other tobacco related diseases such as heart disease, stroke and emphysema. Smoking is responsible for more than 80% of all lung cancers. Other risk factors include exposure to radon and asbestos, particularly for smokers.
The Best Defense : Prevention
Lung cancer is one of the few cancers that can often be prevented, because it is usually caused by smoking. If you are a smoker, ask your doctor or nurse to help you quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If your friends and loved ones are smokers, you can help them quit.
Colon Cancer
Who is at Risk?
Most colorectal cancers (commonly known as “colon cancers”) are found in people over age 50. People with a personal or family history of the disease, or who have polyps in the colon or rectum or inflammatory bowel disease, are at greater risk than the general population. A diet mostly of high fat foods (especially from animal sources), being overweight, smoking and being inactive also increase a person’s risk for this disease.
The Best Defense : Prevention and Early Detection
Colon cancer almost always starts with a polyp. Testing can save lives by finding polyps before they become cancerous. If precancerous polyps are removed, colon cancer can be prevented. Eating a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables may also lower the risk of colon cancer.
The American Cancer Society recommends one of these five testing options for all people beginning at age 50.
n Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
n Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.
n Yearly FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years (preferred over either of the first two options alone)
n Double contrast barium enema every five years.
n Colonoscopy every 10 years.
Your doctor can help you make an informed decision about the best testing method for you. If you are at higher risk for colon cancer, talk with your doctor about a different testing schedule.
The Best Defense Against Cancer
Early detection - finding a cancer early before it has spread - gives you the best chance to do something about it. Knowing about these cancers and how they can be prevented or found early can save your life.
The cancers that most frequently affect men are skin, prostate, lung, and colon cancers. Knowing about these disease and how they can be prevented or found early can save your life.
Skin Cancer, Who is at Risk?
People with fair skin, especially those with blonde or red hair, have a greater risk for skin cancer than people with darker coloring, although anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun is at risk. People who have had close family members with a melanoma and those who had severe sunburns before the age of 18 are at higher risk for this type of skin cancer.
The Best Defense : Prevention and Early Detection
Prevent most skin cancers by avoiding being out in the midday sun for long periods of time. Wear hats with brims, long-sleeved shirts, and sunglasses. And use sunscreen on all exposed parts of the skin. If you have children, protect them from the sun and don’t let them get sunburned. Examine your skin regularly and have a skin exam during your regular health checkups.
Information given by :
The American Cancer Society a nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.