Making Headway on Men’s Health

Many of the diseases that shorten men’s life spans are treatable when caught early.

As a whole, men face shorter life spans than women. Testicular and prostate cancer, along with heart conditions and suicides, have contributed to men dying an average of nearly six years earlier than women.

This doesn’t have to be the case, though. Men can live longer and stay healthier by learning more about their risks and obtaining regular screenings, especially for gender-specific diseases such as prostate and testicular cancer that are increasingly manageable and treatable if caught early, Adventist Health experts say.

Prostate cancer

The risk of prostate cancer, which affects a small gland in the reproductive systems of 11 million men worldwide, increases with age. The disease can develop with virtually no signs.

When symptoms do occur, they may include more frequent urination, especially at night; a burning sensation when urinating; painful ejaculation; and continuous pain in the lower back, hips and pelvis. Talk with your doctor about how often to obtain screenings, especially if you spot any of those signs. Treatments include surgery, with minimally invasive procedures assisted by the da Vinci robotic system available at Adventist Health Sonora.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer, which can develop at any age, most commonly occurs in men between 20 and 44 years old. Tumors may start in the sperm-making cells of the testicles or in tissues around the testicles such as the scrotum. Symptoms may include a lump, swelling or pain in the testicles. Statistics show that most men discover testicular cancer themselves, so experts recommend performing a self-check once a month. If you notice symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider about what to do next.

Disease prevention

Along with those cancers, men face higher rates of heart disease, stroke and other serious medical conditions than women. Fortunately, many can be prevented.

In addition to eating well and getting plenty of exercise, Adventist Health providers recommend the following exams:

• Cholesterol: Starting at age 18, men with an average risk of heart disease should get a screening every five years. After you turn 45, doctors may recommend screening more frequently.
• Colon cancer: Men should obtain an annual colon cancer screening starting at age 45 — or 10 years before the age at which any family member was diagnosed with colon cancer.
• Diabetes: Starting at age 35, men with a body mass index of 25 or more should get screened once a year.
• Mental health: Your provider can screen you for behavioral health concerns and refer you to a specialist for talk therapy or in-depth care.
• Prostate cancer: Talk with your doctor about how often you should be screened.

Visit AdventistHealth.org/Doctors to find a provider who can help you stay in the best shape possible.