Local News
What You Don’t Know Can Kill You
Seven Things Young Men Should Do to Protect Against Cancer
04/11/2011
Men in their 20s and
30s might feel invincible, but lack of knowledge and lifestyle choices in their
young adult years could greatly increase their chances of developing cancer.
The dangers of tobacco, overeating, heavy drinking, and a sedentary lifestyle
are already well documented, but new research indicates that unsafe sex is
responsible for many infections that
could lead to cancer.
According to a recent
study published in The Lancet, half
of all American men ages 18 to 70 now have the human papillomavirus (HPV),
which causes warts, some forms of head and neck cancer, penile cancer, and anal
cancer. HPV is linked to 90 percent of anal cancers. Although HPV-related
cancers are increasing, they are highly treatable if diagnosed early.
“Unhealthy behavior by
men in their 20s and 30s can have devastating consequences as they age,” said Dr.
Kevin Doner, medical oncologist at Texas Oncology. “Abstinence and safe sex not
only protect against sexually transmitted diseases, but they also help prevent
HPV-related cancers. In addition, HPV vaccines are a very effective way to
prevent infection.”
Doctors say that the
reluctance of many men to visit a doctor or undergo annual physical
examinations also prevents their best chances for early cancer detection and
effective treatment. More than 25 percent of men have not visited a doctor
within the past year and a similar percentage does not have a regular place of
healthcare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The following describes
several cancers that can either occur in young adult men or are caused by
harmful habits that typically begin in the late teens and early 20s.
Testicular
Cancer
Early treatment is the
key to overcoming testicular cancer, which is the most common cancer found in
men ages 15 to 34. Testicular cancer rates are now twice as high for white
American men than 40 years ago and the rates for African American men are
beginning to rise.
Although the disease is
essentially unpreventable with risk factors present at birth, more than 95
percent of patients are cancer-free after completing treatment, especially if
the testicular cancer is detected early enough before it spreads to other parts
of the body. Self-examinations and consultations with physicians are the best
ways to ensure early detection. More physicians are now focusing on fertility
preservation as part of cancer treatment for young men.
Lung
Cancer
Lung cancer is
responsible for the most cancer-related deaths in Texas and has one of the lowest survival
rates. Only 16 percent of lung cancer patients live more than five years beyond
their initial diagnosis. A recent major study found that CT scans may help
identify lung cancer in smokers. However, until further research is completed
to solidify the findings, lung cancer remains without a screening tool that
allows cancers to be caught early.
According to the
American Lung Association, tobacco smoke is the leading cause of lung cancer
cases even though the effects of the disease might not show up for years.
Despite decades of warnings about the dangers of tobacco, research surveys
reveal that smoking prevalence is highest among
people ages 25 to 44 years (23.7 percent) and more males than females smoke.
For those 26 years and older, 28.3 percent had used some form of tobacco
product in the last month. Over time, that trend can have a devastating effect.
Most new cigar users
are teenagers and young adults ages 18 to 24 who smoke only occasionally,
typically at parties or with friends. In addition to lung cancer, cigar smoking
can cause cancer of the oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, and possibly the
pancreas. Nationwide, about 7 percent of men ages 18 and older and 15 percent
of high school boys use chewing tobacco, snuff, or dip. Doctors remind patients
that tobacco, in any form, is highly addictive.
Colon Cancer
A high-fat diet,
obesity, diabetes, and family history of the disease raise the likelihood of
developing colon cancer, which is the second-leading cancer killer of men and
is among the most difficult to detect, because it lacks symptoms in early
stages. Men may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer through a regular
exercise schedule and a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables,
and whole-grain foods while limiting high-fat foods, red meat, and alcohol
consumption.
Continue Cancer Vigilance Throughout Life
In addition to
tobacco use, other unhealthy habits by young adult males can lead to problems
as they age. One-third of cancer deaths are linked to poor nutrition, lack of
exercise, and excess weight.
“Regular
screenings and a healthy lifestyle are essential to help avoid debilitating
cancer,” Dr. Doner said. “Clean, healthy living might not make a person the
life of the party, but it certainly increases the chances of that person living
longer with a higher quality of life.”
Seven Things Young
Adult Men Should Do to Prevent Cancer
- Exercise
regularly.
- Eat
a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while
limiting intake of red meat or high-fat foods.
- Avoid
tobacco smoke and using any form of tobacco.
- Avoid
heavy consumption of alcohol. Men should either abstain from alcohol or limit
alcohol use to the equivalent of no more than two beers a day.
- Avoid
unsafe sexual practices.
- Be
aware of changes or unusual symptoms that could point to a problem.
- Identify
a preferred doctor and make appointments for regular physical examinations and
regular screenings.