Are Men As Invincible As They Seem?
Worldwide, November is a focus on men’s physical, biological, and mental health issues. Through a Movember campaign, men worldwide embark on growing a beard or mustache to raise awareness on men’s health issues: testicular cancer, prostate cancer, nutrition issues, exercise requirements, and even men’s suicide and mental health. In this article, we will address some key men’s health issues and highlight some preventative ways men can regain their “invincibility.”
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer for males between the ages of 15 and 35. This disease is known to affect white males more predominantly than black males. Men with a family history of the disease are at greater risk of getting this disease. Diagnosis to determine whether a lump is cancerous occurs by ultrasounds, blood tests, or surgery. For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer, click here.
Prevention: This is a highly treatable cancer. The treatment is administered depending on the type and stage of testicular cancer. Patients might receive one of several treatments or a combination. This kind of cancer usually affects only one testicle, and symptoms include:
A lump or enlargement in either testicle
A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
Back pain
Prostate Cancer
Other than lung cancer, prostate cancer is the leading type of cancer-related deaths amongst men. There are roughly 1 in 9 males diagnosed with this disease during his lifetime. Diagnosis of this disease occurs more frequently amongst African-American males and is predominantly a problem for men 65 years and older. It is rare for men younger than 40 years old to be diagnosed with this disease. Screening for this disease will help to determine the likelihood of getting this disease. However, if the results from any screening parameters come back as “abnormal,” then a prostate biopsy will be needed to determine if the patient has cancer. By following the proper screening protocols, males can determine if they have prostate cancer before developing symptoms. If prostate cancer is found at the screening stage and without symptoms, it is likely to be easily treated. Screening for prostate cancer can save and lengthen life for young people. Screening for this disease includes age, health, and family history, making these screening parameters beneficial for young men with higher risk factors than older men.
Prevention: Here are some screening suggestions every male should consider:
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: Prostate-specific antigen is a protein used to test for prostate cancer in both semen and blood. Should a male have this test, and the PSA levels prove to be lower than 4ng/mL of blood, he is likely to have a 15% chance of developing prostate cancer. Men with a PSA value between 4-10 ng/mL of blood will have a 25% likelihood of developing prostate cancer. A male with a PSA of 10ng/mL or greater has a 50% or greater chance of developing prostate cancer. However, early detection and treatment could reverse the risk of death!
If abnormal results occur, men are recommended to have the testing repeated one month from the first PSA screening date. However, if PSA numbers are severely high, then a prostate biopsy is highly recommended.
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): This form of testing can be uncomfortable if a male has hemorrhoids but usually not painful. This testing is quick and easy as a doctor would lubricate a gloved finger and insert his/her finger into the patient’s rectum to feel for bumps or lumps around the prostate area. This form of testing is less effective at determining prostate cancer than PSA testing. However, it can be very conclusive in finding cancer amongst men with a normal PSA reading and proves to be beneficial as part of a full screening for this disease.
Prostate Biopsy: This screening tool is particularly beneficial for young men with an elevated PSA value. This procedure extracts a small portion of the prostate to have it observed under a microscope. If prostate cancer is found using this methodology, it can tell how likely it is to grow and spread.
For more information on treatment and support of prostate cancer, click here.
Nutrition & Exercise
Men with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Should a male want to lower his BMI and risk of prostate cancer, it is recommended that he reduce his daily caloric intake and exercise more regularly.
Males should make the following dietary changes to improve both weight and health:
Eat 5-6 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Additionally, choose foods high in whole grains, nuts, and legumes.
Limit the consumption of red meats: beef, pork, and lamb
Avoid processed meats such as hot dogs, salami, sausages, bacon, and ham.
Limit alcohol consumption to a maximum of 2-servings per day if at all.
Studies of exercise and prostate cancer determine that men who exercise regularly lower their risk of developing prostate cancer. The World Health Organization recommends that men should aim to achieve a minimum of 30-minutes of exercise a minimum of 5 days each week. If you do not currently exercise, it is recommended that you speak with a doctor to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle.
Mental Health
It is reported that every minute of every day, 1 male dies due to suicide. This number is alarming. Men can be extremely introverted when it comes to their feelings and thoughts to protect their masculinity.
Here are some mental health resources if you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health:
Talk about it. Open up and talk with your loved one or someone you trust about the feelings you are experiencing.
Take care of your body. Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health.
Practice mindfulness. This allows you to put stressful things into perspective.
Value yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid negative self-talk.
Ask for help. Seeking help is a sign of strength and not a sign of weakness. It is also important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover and/or learn how to control their mental illness and still live rewarding lives.
Join us on November 25th @1pm EST as our male CG Zest Wellness team members combine their minds and experience to deliver an experience that you can walk away from with new insight to help your loved ones.
Click the link below to save your spot today!
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/948816273517116431
*This event is not just for men, but for everyone to learn more about the health of their uncles, brothers, fathers, and spouses and what you can do to support.*
