Oncology Research

Calling All Men: Your Health is Your Wealth

By Mike Lattanzi, M.D., Texas Oncology–Austin Central

For some, summer is a time to take it easy and have some fun. That can mean consuming more sweet or alcoholic beverages and rich foods at barbeques, and spending time in the sun lounging by the pool with less time in the gym.

However, no matter the time of year, we can all use encouragement when it comes to our health. June is National Men’s Health Month, which highlights unique health and wellness challenges as well as helpful advice for men on behaviors that ideally should be adopted year-round. How lifestyle can put men at risk

For Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, one in two men will develop some form of cancer in his lifetime, and one in five will die from cancer. Factors such as genetics, aging, and lifestyle have been linked to many types of cancer. While men cannot change their genes nor prevent growing older, they can change certain behaviors that may put them at a greater cancer risk.

Lifestyle changes for men that can help prevent cancer include:

• Not smoking

• Avoiding UV radiation and protecting skin when outdoors

• Getting to and maintaining a healthy weight

• Moderating alcohol consumption

• Cutting down intake of red meat and processed foods

• Consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• Being physically active regularly, up to 150 minutes per week

• Knowing family history of cancer and discussing this with your physician

• Getting regular checkups and health screenings as appropriate for age and family history Less familiar forms of cancer affecting men

Men are aware of the cancers that affect them most such as prostate, colorectal, lung, and skin. However, there are other less familiar cancers that are becoming more prevalent in men including bladder, kidney, and esophageal cancer. Awareness is key to early detection and ensuring men adopt healthy habits to lower their risk.

Bladder Cancer

The fourth most common cancer in men, approximately 62,420 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in men in the United States in 2023 per the American Cancer Society. Bladder cancer occurs mainly in older individuals, with the average age of diagnosis around 73. Certain risk factors like smoking, exposure to certain industrial chemicals, or not drinking enough fluids can contribute to the development of bladder cancer. The chance men will develop this cancer during their lifetime is about 1 see Oncology Research...page 13