Beacon News Story- Ask the Doctor Column

Dr. Meschi Writes About Cancer Risks for Men

4/26/06

Q: I hear a lot about women's cancer risks, but what about men?  What types of cancer am I at risk for?

A: Men have a 1 in 2 lifetime risk of developing cancer. For women, the risk is 1 in 3.  The three main types of cancers that most often affect men are prostate cancer, colorectal cancer and testicular cancer.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a common, but usually slow growing cancer, compared to other types of cancer.  While you can live without a prostate, its location makes prostate cancer difficult to treat. Other glands, organs and nerves surround it.  The prostate weighs about an ounce and relative in size and shape to a walnut.

There are no noticeable symptoms of prostate cancer in its early stages.  In order to detect prostate cancer in its most treatable form, it must be found before symptoms appear.  In more advanced stages, symptoms may include difficult or frequent urination or blood in the urine.

Unfortunately, several of the strongest known risk factors for prostate cancer are beyond your control.  These include age, race and genetics.  Although research does not support definite nutritional guidelines for preventing prostate cancer, you can follow these reasonable guidelines for your diet:

  • Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  • Reduce intake of saturated fat and cholesterol
  • Limit salt and sweets
  • Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation

Screening is also a vital step in early detection for successful treatment of prostate cancer.  Two tests are commonly used to detect prostate cancer – a blood test, the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test and a physical exam and a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE).  Men should start yearly screening at age 50.  Men with one or more high risk factors should start yearly testing at 45 or earlier.  Some men choose to take a PSA test as early as 40 to establish a baseline level for future comparison.

Colorectal Cancer

Unlike so many other cancers, colorectal cancer can be easily detected and is highly preventable.

The colon is a 6-foot long tube connecting the small intestine to the rectum.  Its is a highly-specialized organ that is responsible for processing waste so that emptying the bowels is easy and convenient.

Colorectal cancer occurs when cells that line the colon or rectum become abnormal and grow out of control.  The abnormal growing cells create a tumor, which is the cancer.

Some commonly exhibited symptoms of colon and rectal cancer include:

  • A change in bowel pattern
  • Blood in or on the stool
  • Diarrhea and constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss with no known reason
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Constant fatigue

Although the cause of colorectal cancer is not known, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk like eating healthy, exercising and getting screened.  A diet high in fiber including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low in fat, red meat and alcohol have been associated with a lower risk for colorectal cancer.  You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50.  If you have a family history of cancer, you should consult with your doctor about starting screening earlier.

A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) can detect early signs of colorectal cancer.  The American Cancer Society recommends an annual FOBT combined with flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years or a colonoscopy every ten years.

When doctors test for fecal occult blood they are testing for the presence of microscopic blood in the stool.  Fecal occult blood can be a sign of a problem in your digestive system, such as a growth, or polyp, or cancer in the colon or rectum.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 45.  Men with one or more undescended testicles have an increased risk for developing testicular cancer.

Testicular cancer usually presents itself as a lump in the testicle. Regular examination of the testicle can in most instances detect testicular cancer at an early stage.  If a lump or change in the testicles is identified, your physician will perform a testicular ultrasound which can detect if the lump is benign or a possible tumor.

The basic symptoms include testicular swelling, hardness, lumps or feelings of heaviness.  Self-examinations comparable to a women's breast cancer self-examination, coupled with regular check ups with a physician, are the best line of defense.

Joesph Meschi, M.D. is a board-certified oncologist with Rush-Copley Oncology.