Male cancer statistics reveal that men are at a higher risk of developing cancer compared to women. While it is well known that cancer can affect anyone, the numbers indicate that male individuals are more likely to be affected.

In this article, we will explore the reasons why men have a higher incidence of cancer and what they can do to reduce their risk.

Cancers that affect men more than women

Although cancer can affect any part of the body, some types of cancer are more prevalent in men as compared to women. These include:.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. It develops in the prostate, a gland located below the bladder, and in front of the rectum.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. It typically develops after prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke or other forms of tobacco.

Men are more likely to develop lung cancer as compared to women because of their higher smoking rates.

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer, which affects the colon and rectum, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Men are more susceptible to this type of cancer due to lifestyle factors such as a high-fat diet and lack of physical activity.

Liver cancer

Men are twice as likely to develop liver cancer as compared to women. This is because they are more likely to have underlying conditions such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and fatty liver disease, which increase the risk of liver cancer.

Bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is more common in men as compared to women. The reasons for this are unclear, but it is believed that lifestyle factors such as smoking and exposure to environmental pollutants may play a role.

Why are men at a higher risk?

There are several reasons why men are more susceptible to various types of cancer:.

Higher levels of testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics. However, high levels of testosterone can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer such as prostate cancer.

Poor lifestyle habits

Men tend to have poorer lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a diet high in fat and red meat. These habits increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer such as lung, liver and colorectal cancers.

Late diagnosis

Men tend to seek medical attention later than women, which can delay the diagnosis of cancer. As a result, the cancer may have advanced by the time it is detected, reducing the chances of successful treatment.

Less likely to participate in cancer screening programs

Men are less likely to participate in cancer screening programs such as prostate and colon cancer screenings. This can result in the cancer going undetected until it has advanced to a later stage, reducing the chances of successful treatment.

Prevention tips

Men can take several steps to reduce their risk of developing cancer:.

Quit smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for several types of cancer. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing lung, liver and other cancers.

Limit alcohol intake

Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer such as liver and esophagus cancer. It is recommended that men have no more than two drinks per day.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer. It is recommended that men engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.

Eat a healthy diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer such as colon, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.

Conclusion

Male cancer statistics show that men are at a greater risk of developing cancer than women. This is due to various factors such as lifestyle habits, higher levels of testosterone, and late diagnosis.

By making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy diet, men can significantly reduce their risk of developing cancer.