Cancer Prevention Tips for Men

Today (June 17), millions of families across the United States  celebrate Father’s Day. While dads are often strong and supportive, they are not always the most willing to head to the doctor for a check-up.

There’s no better time to tell dad you care and encourage him to do all he can to stay cancer free than Father’s Day.

“Behind heart disease, cancer is the second-leading cause of death among men in the United States,” said John M. Koval, M.D. of Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology.

“It’s important for fathers to schedule regular doctor’s visits and look for warning signs in order to stay healthy both for themselves and their families,” Koval said.

Here are some suggestions for men to protect against cancer year round:

Prostate Cancer is the cancer they don’t want to talk about. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2012 more than 240,000 men will be diagnosed and an estimated 28,000 will die from prostate cancer. While there is no proven prostate cancer prevention strategy, men can reduce their risk by making healthy choices, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 87,000 men will die from lung cancer, the deadliest of all cancers, in 2012. While smoking causes the majority of lung cancer cases, other risk factors for lung cancer include: exposure to radon gas or asbestos and family history of lung cancer.

Men can get breast cancer, too. Many people do not realize that men are at risk for breast cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that about 2,190 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men in 2012. While the causes of breast cancer in men are not yet completely understood, researchers have found several factors that may increase the risk of getting it which include: sex hormonal levels in the body, family history of breast cancer, alcohol and obesity.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types of skin cancer—basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas—are highly curable. Melanoma is far more dangerous, and, according to the American Cancer Society, more than 44,000 men will be diagnosed with melanoma in the upcoming year. Since the majority of all skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight, the best way to prevent it is to protect your skin by using sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing sunglasses, a hat and sun-protective clothing.

“Father’s Day always serves as a great opportunity to remind men to stay healthy,” Koval said.

“Hopefully we can encourage men to give themselves the gift of good health by seeking care for current health issues or even just scheduling their next physical,” Koval said.

Editor's Note- Thanks to Tampa Bay Radiation Oncology for sharing these health tips for men with Patch.