What you don’t know can hurt you. A new study
finds that men are more likely to die from cancer but less likely to be tested
for it
New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady took the field in pink cleats
last October as one of many NFL players wearing the penultimate girly color to
raise awareness for breast cancer. But brand-new research from the H. Lee Moffitt
Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla., suggests that NFL players might want to consider
switching to a more manly blue all year long.
Light blue is the official color of prostate cancer awareness month. But
any blue will do if it reminds men that they need to get screened for not only
prostate cancer, but other cancers as well. That’s because Moffitt researchers,
in a study published in November 2011 in the American Journal
of Men’s Health, found that even though men are more likely than
women to die of cancer, they’re less likely to get checked for it.
One reason: There are far more public-awareness campaigns aimed at women
-- particularly for breast cancer -- than at men. Another reason: Men don’t see
their primary care doctors as often as women do. So they can miss an
opportunity for both education and a little nudge in the right direction.
Knowledge = Power
Knowledge and prodding can help, says Moffitt research coordinator Jenna
L. Davis, who has a master’s degree in public health. In her study, she and her
colleagues found that men who learn details about cancer screening are actually
more willing than women to take a test. Those who’ve already been screened for
one kind of cancer are also more willing to get screened for another. For
example, she says, “men who have already undergone a screening for prostate
cancer are more likely to participate in a colorectal cancer screening.”
Confusion over whether to get that prostate screening could be an
obstacle, admits Davis. Experts are divided over the value of the PSA blood
test, which measures levels of a specific chemical (prostate-specific antigen)
that’s higher in men with cancer. Like mammograms for women, the PSA test isn’t
foolproof and can lead to unnecessary and more invasive testing. This year, a government
panel recommended against routine PSA screenings.
“This is really an area where physicians and health educators need to
actively educate men about prostate cancer screenings,” says Davis. “Men need
to be aware of the risks and benefits of the screening and they need to know
their family history so, in agreement with their physician, they can make an
informed decision about participating.”
What Men Need and When They Need
It
To help, here’s a little education about when men need cancer
screenings:
·
For colon
cancer: Beginning at age 50, you should have a flexible sigmoidoscopy every
five years or a colonoscopy every 10 years, with a yearly fecal occult blood
test.
·
For
prostate cancer: Starting at age 50, talk to your doctor about the
pros and cons of testing. If you have a close relative who’s had the disease,
start the chat at 45.
·
For skin
cancer: Do self-exams once a month and look for any new or unusual moles,
freckles, blemishes or marks on your skin. Use a handheld mirror for
hard-to-see areas or ask a spouse or close friend to help. See your doctor once
a year for a skin exam.
·
For
testicular cancer: Some doctors recommend that all men do monthly
testicular self-exams after puberty, looking for any unusual lumps or bumps.
See your doctor once a year for a testicular exam during your regular checkup.
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