Real Men Go to the Doctor-REGULARLY
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Many men go to the doctor for a common cold or allergies - usually something they need relief from immediately. But there are many illnesses that don't have symptoms or have symptoms that don't appear right away, like cancer. A simple annual checkup with your doctor can add years to your life.
"By talking with their doctors about personal health histories and those of their families, men can cut down their risk for developing cancer," says Dr. Sharon Smaga, American Cancer Society Medical Ambassador of SIU Family Medicine. "Many types of cancer don't have noticeable symptoms in the early stages when they are most treatable. Talking with your doctor now can save your life."
What to Ask About
Knowing what to talk to your doctor about is the key. Here are some things men should ask about at their next checkups:
Colon Cancer - Colorectal cancer is 90 percent curable if caught early, yet it's the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. All men and women ages 50 and older should begin regular colon testing, including undergoing a colonoscopy every 10 years.
Prostate Cancer - This year, an estimated 9,850 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in Illinois. Because early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms, it's important to get the facts and talk with your doctor about your personal risk and whether testing is right for you. Some risk factors include age, ethnicity, and family history of prostate cancer. Tests for prostate cancer include the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and the digital rectal exam.
Testicular Cancer - An estimated 340 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed in Illinois. It is primarily a disease of younger men, and is the most common cancer diagnosed in men between the ages of 15 and 35. The good news is that testicular cancer is one of the most curable forms of the disease because most cases can be found at an early stage. Doctors and the American Cancer Society agree that a testicular exam is an important part of a general physical checkup.
Lung cancer - Smoking is by far the most important risk factor for lung cancer. Therefore the best way to prevent it is to not smoke and avoid second-hand smoke. Lung cancer is expected to cause as many deaths this year as breast, colon and rectum, prostate, and all gynecologic cancers combined.
More Steps to Take
Having an open dialogue with your doctor is one of the most important steps to reducing your risk for cancer. There are also lifestyle choices that men make every day that can lower their risk of cancer, including:
Eating a healthy diet high in plant-based foods and limiting consumption of red meats and high-fat or processed meats
Engaging in at least moderate activity for 30 minutes or more on five or more days of the week
Maintaining a healthy weight throughout life by balancing caloric intake with physical activity and losing weight if you are currently overweight or obese
Limit your alcohol intake to 2 drinks or less daily
Protecting your skin from the sun with sunscreen of SPF of 15 or higher and staying out of the sun during the midday hours
For more tips on talking with your doctor and the latest cancer information, contact the American Cancer Society at 1.800.227.2345 or www.cancer.org .