Men’s health and cancer: know your risk, act now, live longer

Welcome to our special edition for Men’s Health Week! In this blog, we dive into why men face unique cancer risks, and more importantly, what you can do to stay healthy and catch problems early.

Why focus on men’s health?

Well first of all, men are more likely to develop cancer than women, with a 1 in 2 chance of a diagnosis in their lifetime compared to 1 in 3 for women. While lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking, or workplace exposures (e.g. asbestos) were once thought to fully explain this gap, recent research reveals a genetic factor. A 2016 study from the prestigious Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT found that women have an extra copy of protective genes on their X chromosome that helps prevent cancer. Men, with only one X chromosome, lack this additional defense, making them more vulnerable to certain cancers. This genetic difference, combined with lifestyle and social factors, highlights the need for targeted men’s health strategies.

Second, men are less likely to seek help for health issues due to cultural expectations, lower health awareness, and barriers like discomfort discussing personal concerns. This delays care, contributing to higher death rates from preventable conditions like cancer. To break this cycle, we need to see help-seeking as a strength, and provide clear health education. Early action saves lives. Prostate and testicular cancers have 98% and 95% 5-year survival rates when caught early, so, if you are a man, talk to your doctor and prioritize your health!

Some cancers that highly affect men.

• Prostate cancer: This cancer forms in the prostate, a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid. The cells in the prostate can grow out of control due to changes in DNA, often triggered by aging, family history, or hormone changes. It often grows slowly, but can spread if untreated. It is the most common cancer in men and a leading cause of cancer deaths. Risk increases with age, while black men and those with a family history (father or brother with prostate cancer) face a 2.5x higher risk.
• Testicular cancer: This is a rather rare cancer that develops in the testicles, which produce sperm and testosterone. It typically starts in germ cells and can spread quickly if not detected early. In rare cases, the germ cells can turn cancerous due to genetic glitches, sometimes linked to undescended testicles or family history. Overall, the cancer is more common in younger men (ages 20–34), but it is highly treatable if caught early. White men and those with a history of undescended testicles are at higher risk.
• Lung cancer: This cancer begins in the lungs, often in cells lining the air passages, and is primarily driven by smoking or specific environmental exposures. Breathing in these harmful substances damages lung cells, causing them to grow abnormally. The cancer can also spread rapidly to other organs. The rates are declining, but it remains a major killer, largely due to tobacco use, which is more prevalent among men, especially in lower-income groups.
• Head, neck, oesophageal, and bladder cancers: Head and neck cancers often start in the mouth, throat, or larynx, while esophageal cancer affects the food pipe, and bladder cancer begins in the bladder’s lining. These are commonly linked to tobacco, alcohol, or HPV exposure (for head and neck). Long-term irritation from smoking, heavy drinking, or viruses like HPV can make cells in these areas turn cancerous. These cancers occur 2–3 times more often in men, partly due to genetic factors and higher rates of smoking and alcohol use. Environmental and lifestyle factors, like poor diet and less exercise, further amplify the risks.

What can you do about it?

You can take steps to lower your risk and catch cancer early when it’s most treatable. Here’s how:

Prevention:

• Get moving: aim for 150–300 minutes of moderate exercise or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity weekly. Exercise reduces inflammation and supports overall health.
• Eat smart: focus on a balanced diet with less red meat, saturated fats, and salt, and more fruits, vegetables, and fibre. A healthy weight lowers your risk of advanced cancers.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol: tobacco is the leading preventable cause of cancer, and excessive drinking increases risks for multiple cancers. Quitting can be difficult, so it might be good to seek support to quit if needed.
• Know your risks: if you have a family history of cancer, or had an undescended testicle, talk to your doctor about earlier or more frequent screenings.

Screening and early detection:

• Prostate cancer: start discussing PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing with your doctor at age 50, or 45 if you have a family history. This simple blood test can detect prostate cancer early, when the 5-year survival rate is still 98%.
• Testicular cancer: check your testicles monthly in the shower for lumps, changes in size, or texture. If you notice anything unusual, see an urologist promptly. Early detection leads to a 99% 5-year survival rate.
• General checkups: regular doctor visits can catch warning signs early, even if you feel fine. Men often delay seeking care, which can lead to worse outcomes.

Some final thoughts

Men’s health is not just about biology, it is shaped by lifestyle, access to care, and societal factors. By understanding your risks, making healthier choices, and getting screened regularly, you can take charge of your health. Cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence: early detection and modern treatments save lives. So let’s break the stigma around men seeking help and make health a priority. Talk to your doctor, know your body, and stay proactive. Your future self will thank you!