One in two Australian men will develop cancer in their lifetime. The most common cancers for men are prostate, bowel, melanoma and lung cancer. The good news is there are steps you can take to reduce your cancer risk or find cancer at a stage when treatment is more likely to succeed.
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Meet David. He just turned 55 and received the National Bowel Cancer Screening kit in the mail. This got him thinking about other aspects of his health, including talking to his doctor about prostate cancer. He wonders if his male family members and friends are doing anything about their health.
Bowel cancer
About one in 19 men will develop bowel cancer before the age of 75. It is most common in people over 50, but it can occur at any age.
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David's father (age 74) David's father was diagnosed with bowel cancer 9 years ago. Luckily, it was detected early and he survived, thanks to the bowel cancer screening kit he received in the mail.
Meet David
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is one of the rarer forms of cancer. It is also the most curable of all internal cancers.
David's son (age 18) David's son has recently noticed a lump on his testicle. He has lots of questions but he's a bit embarrassed to speak to anyone about it.
Skin cancer
Melanoma kills more than twice as many men as women in Australia, and is the third most common cancer in men.
David's neighbour (age 42) David's neighbour has been extra conscious about sun protection after losing a friend to skin cancer. He also looks after himself by exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.
Quit smoking & limit alcohol
The combined effects of smoking and alcohol greatly increase the risk of cancer, more so than smoking or alcohol alone.
David brother (age 49) David's brother is trying to quit smoking to reduce his risk of cancers linked to smoking. He also drinks alcohol regularly which increases his risk of other cancers.
Healthy weight
A waistline over 94cm for men increases the risk of some cancers, including bowel and oesophageal cancers.
David's workmate (age 54) David's workmate is considering losing weight after noticing he has been putting on weight more quickly than he used to.
Talk to your doctor
Men in Australia have worse cancer outcomes than women. Look after your health and speak to your doctor about any unusual changes.
David's doctor David's doctor says men can do a lot to reduce their cancer risk. 'It's important for men to look after their health and speak to their doctor about any unusual changes in their body.'
Contact Us E: enquiries@cancervic.org.au P: +61 3 9514 6100 F: +61 3 9514 680
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