Common Cancer in Men: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Causes and risk factors

Cancer develops due to the interplay of complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. 

Here are the most common causes and risk factors for the cancers listed above:

• Smoking and tobacco use: This is a leading cause of cancer, especially for lung cancer, bladder cancer, and some head and neck cancers. 
• Diet and nutrition: People with diets high in processed meat, low in fiber, and high in salt and smoked foods increase the risk of colorectal and stomach cancer in men.
• Alcohol consumption: This is linked to the development of several cancers, including oral and colorectal cancer. 
• Age: Many types of cancers, including prostate cancer, become more common in men. 
• Genetics and family history: A family history of several cancers increases the risk of developing cancers in men. For example, certain cancers, like prostate cancers, have hereditary risk factors. 
• Infections: There are chronic infections, such as Helicobacter pylori in the stomach, that can raise an increased risk of stomach cancer in men. 
• Environmental factors: Pollutants, carcinogens, exposure to UV radiation, and secondhand smoke are important risk factors. 
• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle: People with obesity and sedentary lifestyles can contribute to colorectal cancer risk in men.

How are these cancers detected?

Diagnosing cancer type in men or women typically involves a combination of diagnostic approaches, including:

• Imaging tests: These diagnostic tests may include CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, or PET scans, which are used to visualize tumors.
• Blood tests: For cancers like prostate cancers, the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests are usually used. 
• Biopsy: In this test, a sample tissue is collected from the suspected area and examined under a microscope by many pathologists.
• Physical examination: Testicular cancer is often diagnosed with any type of lump or swelling self-directed by the patient.

What are preventive measures or risk reduction of cancer in males

As we all know, not all cancers can be prevented. There are many risk factors that can be modified.

Here are some of the preventive measures that reduce the risk of cancer in men, including:

• Quit smoking: Avoid the use of tobacco products, which reduce the risk of lung, bladder, and other types of cancers. 
• Healthy diet: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains. Limit the consumption of processed foods and red meats. 
• Exercise regularly: Practice physical activity which helps to reduce the risk of several cancers and supports overall health. 
• Maintain a healthy diet: Obesity often linked to the development of many types of cancers
• Limit the consumption of alcohol: Excessive drinking of alcohol often causes liver cancer and increases the risk of several cancers. 
• Sun protection: Use sunscreen and avoid the use of tanning beds.
• Regular cancer screenings: Depending on the risk factors and age, regular cancer screenings can help to identify the several cancers early.

What are the challenges for men

Here are some of the challenges and barriers of men, including:

• Under-screening or neglecting to get diagnosed: Some men avoid undergoing screenings due to fear, stigma, and lack of awareness. 
• Late diagnosis and presentation: Some cancers, such as prostate cancer, may not cause early symptoms; diagnosis is often delayed.  
• Access to cancer care: In some areas, limited access to cancer-related treatments, oncologists, or the best hospitals can be a major challenge.
• Psychological factors: In most cases, men tend to under-prioritize their health and its symptoms, ignore symptoms, and delay seeking medical help. 
• Costs: Cancer treatments are highly expensive, especially for advanced cancer or in lower-income settings.