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Common Cancers In Men

November 17th, 2016

Common Cancers In Men

Common Cancers In Men

Men and women are different in terms of biology, genetic makeup, hormonal levels and ways of living. These key differences also define the risk of developing different cancers in both men and women. According to latest statistics released by American Cancer Society, lung, colorectal and prostate cancers are the most frequently reported malignancies among men. Besides these common cancer, typical male cancers are penile and testicular cancers. However, male cancers are quite rare. Here are some facts related to common cancers in men.

Lung Cancer:

Lung cancer is the most lethal form of cancer in both genders but in males it is the number one killer. Based on statistics, more people die from lung cancers annually in the United States when compared to combined deaths caused by prostate, breast and rectal cancers. Smoking plays a key role in the pathophysiology of lung cancer. Both active and passive smoking can do great damage to the lungs. In fact, passive or second hand smoking is more dangerous! Besides smoking, pollution and other environmental factors like exposure to hazardous chemicals and asbestos can also aggravate the risk of lung cancers.

Traditionally, malignancy of lung is diagnosed via CAT scans and chest x-rays but confirmation is done through biopsy of cancerous mass. The choice of treatment depends upon dissemination of cancer. Surgery is the preferred therapTesticular Cancer – Causes, Signs and Symptoms imagey if cancer is isolated to one place. But, if cancer has spread to distant tissues, then chemotherapy and radiation therapy is also needed to kill disseminated cancer cells.

Prostate Cancer:

The walnut sized prostate gland is a vital male organ that is located beneath the bladder or in front of rectum. It is an important component of male reproductive system that also contributes to the semen secretion.

After lung cancer, it is the second most lethal cancer in men that claims more than 33,720 deaths on annual basis. The risk of developing prostate cancer is age dependent. As men gets older, their risk of developing cancer increases exponentially. Having family history or being an African-American also increases the risk. It is diagnosed via physical examination of rectum and serumlevels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). It is noteworthy that high levels of PSA are also an indication of prostate cancer.

For advanced stages, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapies are preferred. While in early stages surgical removal of the gland is usually suggested. Prostate cancer grows slowly and therefore if elderly men are diagnosed with early stage of prostate cancer, it is often advised to leave it untreated and monitor the condition closely.

Colorectal Cancer:

Nearly 103,170 people suffers from colorectal cancer, claiming more than 40,290 deaths per year. It is the third most common type of cancer in males.

Genetics, age and family history of colorectal cancer adds up the risks. Besides these, fat enriched diet and lesser use of vegetables and fruits can also aggravate the risk of colorectal cancer. Sometimes, polyps grown in inner wall of rectum and colon can lead to cancer formation.

Colonoscopy is the best diagnostic tool which not only identifies cancers and polyps that have the potential to turn into cancerous growths but can also remove the polyps during examination. Colonoscopy involves insertion of camera into the large intestine through a tube which is lighted.

People can get rid of cancer through colonoscopy if diagnosed during early stages. However, advanced stages require surgical removal of affected part of colon along with radiations and chemotherapies.

References

  • Siegel, R., Naishadham, D., & Jemal, A. (2013). Cancer statistics, 2013. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 63(1), 11-30.
  • Wender, R., Fontham, E. T., Barrera, E., Colditz, G. A., Church, T. R., Ettinger, D. S., … & LaMonte, S. J. (2013). American Cancer Society lung cancer screening guidelines. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 63(2), 106-117.
  • Maskarinec, G., Jacobs, S., Harmon, B. E., Wilkens, L. R., Le Marchand, L., Kolonel, L. N., & Boushey, C. J. (2016). Four a priori-defined Diet Quality Indexes and Survival among Men and Women with Colorectal Cancer: The Multiethnic Cohort. The FASEB Journal, 30(1 Supplement), 42-2.
  • Carter, H. B., Albertsen, P. C., Barry, M. J., Etzioni, R., Freedland, S. J., Greene, K. L., … & Penson, D. F. (2013). Early detection of prostate cancer: AUA Guideline. The Journal of urology, 190(2), 419-426.

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