Men at higher risk for cancer

A new study has found that men are more vulnerable to developing cancer and subsequently dying from it. Excluding breast, lung and other cancers that are gender specific, the differences between the genders are reported to be considerable.

According to a study published in Men's Health Forum, men are significantly more prone to being diagnosed with and dying from any type of cancer apart from melanoma.

Men are reported to be 60% more likely to develop cancer and 70% more likely to die from it. Scientists were unable to find any known biological reason for the higher risk of cancer among men; they, however, claimed that men are less health conscious compared to women.

"What we see from this report could be a reflection of this attitude, meaning men are less likely to make lifestyle changes that could reduce their risk of the disease and less likely to go to their doctor with cancer symptoms," said Alan White, the lead researcher of the study.

Men do not seek medical advice in the early stages of the disease; many of them also follow unhealthy lifestyles. Men are believed to be less aware of the adverse effects of smoking, having extra weight around the waist, having a high alcohol intake, a poor diet and having a positive family history for malignancies contributing to the increased risk of cancer.

Scientists therefore urge men to adopt a healthy lifestyle, adding that the majority of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle changes.


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