Among men, there are several types of cancer that are more prevalent. In this brief introduction, we'll cover the most common cancers among men, including prostate, lung, colorectal, bladder, and melanoma cancers. These cancers have unique characteristics and specific risk factors. Prostate cancer is the most common, especially at older ages, while lung cancer is often associated with smoking. Colorectal cancer affects the large intestine and rectum, and bladder cancer is linked to smoking and exposure to certain substances.
Early diagnosis, adequate treatment and the adoption of preventive measures, such as screening tests and healthy lifestyle habits, play a crucial role in the fight against these cancers. It is essential that men are aware of these diseases and seek medical advice for proper prevention, detection and treatment. The fight against cancer requires a joint effort by society, health professionals and individuals to raise awareness, promote prevention and support research for advances in diagnosis and treatment.
PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men worldwide, including Brazil. Typically, this disease tends to manifest itself more often after age 45, although people with a family history of this type of cancer can develop it at earlier ages. Several risk factors are associated with prostate cancer, such as advanced age, belonging to the black race, having a family history of the disease or having genetic alterations, such as mutations in the BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 genes. Furthermore, the adoption of a Western diet, characterized by excessive consumption of fats, processed foods and red meat, as well as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, seem to be related to the development of this condition.
It is important to emphasize that not all risk factors are under individual control, so it is essential that men who already have unalterable risk factors take even more care of their health.
One of the main forms of care related to prostate cancer is periodic visits to the urologist. It is recommended that men see a urologist at age 45 if they have no family history of the condition, or at age 40 if there is a history. During these consultations, the digital rectal exam, which plays a key role in the early detection of tumors, will be performed, along with the PSA exam, which involves the analysis of blood samples. These measures can significantly contribute to the early detection and effective treatment of prostate cancer.
LUNG CANCER
Lung cancer is usually diagnosed at an average age of 70 years, being more common in people over 65 years. Unfortunately, this form of neoplasia is responsible for about 25% of all cancer deaths in Brazil. However, there is encouraging news. Lung cancer rates are on the decline, in part due to the decline in smoking and also thanks to significant advances in early diagnosis of the disease. In Brazil, currently, approximately 12.3% of men over 18 years of age are still smokers, which puts a significant portion of the male population at risk. It is important to emphasize that, in general, the prognosis for lung cancer is not optimistic, but treatments have shown significant progress.
COLORECTAL CANCER
Colorectal cancer ranks high among the diseases on this list, as screening for it plays a crucial preventive role. I am referring to the colonoscopy procedure, in which the patient is sedated and a long, thin instrument, equipped with a microcamera , is inserted through the anus to view the inside of the bowel. If any precancerous growths are identified during the examination, they can be removed at the time.
Currently, it is recommended that men and women perform routine colonoscopy from the age of 45 and repeat it according to the result and medical advice. Naturally, diet plays a key role in preventing colorectal cancer . Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, rich in fiber, with lean protein consumption and low amount of fat.
BLADDER CANCER
As with lung cancer, the main risk factor associated with this disease is smoking, which is present in 50% to 70% of cases. This is due to the fact that the carcinogenic substances present in cigarettes are absorbed by both the lungs and the digestive system, eventually entering the bloodstream. Once filtered by the kidneys, these substances accumulate in the bladder until they are eliminated. Over time, these substances can cause cellular changes that lead to the development of cancer.
Generally, bladder cancer mainly affects older men, over 60 years old, with the main symptom being the presence of blood in the urine, known as hematuria. Unfortunately, in most cases, the disease is diagnosed in more advanced stages, which requires surgical removal of the affected organ.
MELANOMA
Melanoma is a dangerous type of skin cancer that develops in cells that produce melanin, the skin's pigment. At age 65, men are twice as likely to develop the disease compared to women, and that risk triples at age 80. To reduce the risks of melanoma, it is extremely important to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen, hats, caps and clothes that protect the skin. Unfortunately, it is evident that only a minority of men use sunscreen daily.
If you notice any change in the size, shape or color of a wart or mole, or if you have a skin wound that does not heal, it is recommended that you see a dermatologist. When melanoma is diagnosed early and treated, the chances of cure reach almost 100%. However, when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, known as metastasis, the fatality rate is significant. These are the five main tumors that affect male health, demanding attention and care.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the most common cancers among men, such as prostate, lung, colorectal , bladder and melanoma, pose significant challenges to men's health. These diseases have different risk factors, such as advanced age, family history, smoking and sun exposure, among others. Awareness and the adoption of preventive measures play a key role in the fight against these types of cancer. This includes having appropriate screening tests such as digital rectal examination and PSA for prostate cancer, colonoscopy for colorectal cancer , and looking for suspicious skin changes for melanoma.
In addition, adopting a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet, regular physical activity and smoking cessation, can help reduce the risk of developing these diseases. It is important to highlight that early diagnosis plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of treatment and the chances of cure. Therefore, being aware of symptoms, seeking medical advice and following professional recommendations are essential measures for male health. In the fight against these cancers, it is necessary to promote awareness, education and access to adequate health services, in order to reduce the impact of these diseases on men's lives and guarantee a healthier future for all.
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