Men's Health Month

Prostate Cancer

Besides skin cancer, the most common cause of male cancers is prostate cancer. As you age, your risk factors increase, and for men over 65, this is something that they need to keep an eye on. Those who have close relatives with prostate cancer are at higher risk. A routine visit with your healthcare provider lets you know if you are at risk for prostate cancer and if or when you should get screened for it, and often this starts around age 40.

Symptoms usually appear in late stages for prostate cancer and may include trouble urinating, erectile dysfunction, or blood in the urine. Treatment will vary and often may not be necessary; in other cases, you may be prescribed surgery or radiation, chemotherapy, or drug therapy.

Colorectal Cancer

Cancer that starts in the colon or rectum is known as colorectal cancer. Their risk factors increase for those overweight, obese, out of shape, smoke, or have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps. Routine screenings are crucial to catching skin cancer early. Stool-based tests and visual exams such as colonoscopies or CT scans may occur from age 45 and over. Their doctor might advise those with higher risk factors to start screenings at an earlier age.

Lung Cancer

Though many forms of lung cancer are preventable and due to environmental or lifestyle factors, not all types are; however, several things lower your chances of lung cancer. Your doctor might suggest regular screenings for those at higher risk of lung cancer to catch it early on. Avoid smoking and being near and breathing in secondhand smoke, as these can all increase your chances. It’s never too late to quit smoking and talk to your healthcare provider about ways and resources that could help you stop the nicotine habit.