Men and Cancer

A survey in 2001 showed that British men had an average life expectancy of 76. They are also 5 th in the European league of male life expectancy. Not bad, is it? Yet, in the year 2000, 27,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2,000 were diagnosed with testicular cancer. In 1998, over seven percent of total male deaths were attributed to lung cancer. Evidence shows that a cocktail of poor diet, physical inactivity and an unhealthy environment can result in the development of many chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Diet and lifestyle factors are major contributors to the UK’s top three male cancers: lung, prostrate and colorectal.

But why are our men at such great risk? Men are often risk-takers and have been known not to care about their health or bother the GP as frequently as women.

Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the most common cancer and cause of cancer mortality in the world. The main causes: Smoking tobacco would have to carry the biggest blame. Additional causes include exposure to asbestos, nickel, radon and chromium.

Prostrate cancer
Globally prostrate cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death. As yet, there is no definite link between diet and prostate cancer, nor are there any definite non-dietary factors causing this cancer. However, the risk increases with age and black men are more likely to develop this cancer than white men.

Colorectal cancer
It is well known that the risk of developing colorectal cancer may be modified mainly by diet. The incidence of, and deaths from, this cancer is on the increase, especially in the industrial world. Causes of Colorectal cancer are: excessive alcohol intake, diets high in red meat, a high body mass index, diets high in sugar, saturated fats and processed foods. Non-dietary causes include: genetic predisposition, ulcerative colitis and smoking.

More and more research reveals that specific nutrients can be linked to specific cancers. All sorts of advice are available. Recently a Californian diet guru claimed that a vegetarian diet alongside relaxation therapy and exercise could help to slow the growing process of prostrate cancer.

The rising incidence of these cancers reinforces the need to educate men about the importance of “filling their tank” with the best fuel available. No body wants to be fuelled with low-grade fuel, like fast food and alcohol. Men are urged to have the recommended five portions of vegetables and fruit each day, this alone will reduce their risk of developing cancer by more than 20 percent. Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight, can reduce a man’s cancer risk by 30-40 percent, so what you put in can really pay dividends on what you get back.

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