The diagnosis of cancer is one of the most frightening a patient can get — and with good cause. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 11 million Americans are currently living with cancer. This year, more than 550,000 will die from the disease.
When it comes to susceptibility, the playing field is not equal: Surprising new research reveals that men are 40 percent more likely to die from cancer than women, but women are 16 percent more likely to develop it in the first place. When cancers that affect only one sex were excluded such as breast and prostate, however, the difference was shocking — men were up to 70 percent more likely to die from cancers that affect both sexes, such as bowel, stomach, brain, and liver; and 60 percent more likely to develop it in the first place.
“For many of the types of cancer we looked at that affect both sexes, there’s no known biological reason why men should be at a greater risk than women,” professor David Forman of the United Kingdom’s National Cancer Intelligence Network said in a statement. “We were surprised to see such consistent differences.”
Chalk it up to a combination of unhealthy lifestyles and a reluctance to bring their symptoms to the attention of a physician until it’s too late. “Men have a reputation for having a ‘stiff upper lip’ and not being as health-conscious as women,” he said. “Late diagnosis makes most forms of the disease harder to treat.”
To lower the odds of being diagnosed with an incurable cancer, use these tips:
1. Stop mouth and throat cancer
Regular checkups at the dentist will spot early signs of mouth cancer. Brushing frequently will lower your risk of developing oral cancer, and watching your alcohol intake, as well as not smoking, will lower your odds of developing both oral and throat cancer. University of Milan researchers found that drinking at least one cup of coffee each day lowers your risk of mouth and throat cancer, and drinking more than four cups each day lowered the risk by 39 percent.
2. Love your lungs
Quitting smoking is a no-brainer for lowering your chances of lung cancer. Cigarette smoking is the cause of about 90 percent of lung cancers in men. The longer you smoke, the higher your risk. According to MedicineNet.com, a smoker's risk of developing lung cancer is 25 times higher than a nonsmoker.
3. Protect your prostate
Trips to the bathroom during the night for men may just mean an enlarged prostate, but frequent urges could also be a sign of prostate cancer, which will kill 32,000 men this year. According to the American Cancer Society, the disease will affect one in six men. And any small lump in a testicle, as well as swelling or pain, should send you straight to the doc.
Lower your risk with a diet rich in tomatoes (loaded with lycopene) and cranberries. Also, reduce the fat in your diet. A study at Case University found that high-fat diets trigger a chain of events that can lead to prostate cancer.
4. Save your skin
Ultraviolet radiation is the No.1 cause of skin cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. Shielding your skin when outdoors will go a long way toward protecting you. Always use a sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF, and reapply after swimming or sweating. Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats, and protect your eyes with sunglasses that have broad UV protection. Check your skin frequently for changes in moles.
5. Watch your head
Although the jury is still out on whether or not cell phones cause brain cancer, a study by the World Health Organization found that the risk of developing glioma, a cancerous brain tumor, was up to 40 percent higher among the 10 percent of people who used their cell phones the most. Limit your use of cell phones.
6. Be good to your belly
Cut down on animal fats and increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And watch the cocktails. A 2009 study by Australia's The George Institute found that people who drink more than seven drinks of alcohol each week have a 60 percent greater risk of developing bowel cancer than nondrinkers. Smoking, obesity, and diabetes increased risk by 60 percent.
Ditch the salt shaker and lower your intake of smoked and pickled foods, which contain known carcinogens. Scientists from Japan's National Cancer Center Research Institute found that men who had the highest salt intake had twice the risk of stomach cancer as those men who ate the least salt.
At the same time, increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables in your diet which are thought to prevent damage to the stomach lining. Also, protect yourself against the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is associated with both duodenal ulcers and stomach cancers.
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