Men’s Health Week (11-17 June)
If you notice any unusual changes in your body, tell your doctor straight away.
This article was published in the Bunbury Mail on 11 June 2019.
Even though less than half of the Australian population are men, more men than women are diagnosed with cancer each year. Men have a one in two chance of developing cancer before age 85 compared with a one in three chance for women.
If you can find cancer when it’s at an early stage, before it’s had the chance to get too big or spread to other parts of the body, it can often be easily removed or treated. If the cancer has spread, treatment becomes more difficult and a person’s chance of survival may decreases.
Sometimes people put off seeing their doctor because they’re worried about what the doctor might find, but it’s important to know that cancer research has come a long way over the years, and more than 67% of people diagnosed with cancer today will still be alive in five years time.
The percentage of people who die from cancer has fallen by 20% in the past thirty two years and even for those cancers where survival is poor, the chances of surviving are better if the cancer is found early.
If you notice any unusual changes in your body, tell your doctor straight away.
- Blood in your poo or pee
- Coughing up blood
- A nagging cough or croaky voice
- An unusual lump or swelling in your body
- Changes in a spot on your skin
- Unexplained weight loss
- Becoming short of breath
- Feeling weak or unusually tired
The good news is that approximately one third of all cancers can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle, and it’s never too late to change your bad habits. To reduce your risk:
- Stop smoking
- Limit or avoid alcohol
- Be SunSmart
- Move your body
- Stay in shape
- Eat for health
- Participate in screening
- Get vaccinated
For more information, visit www.cancerwa.asn.au or call 13 11 20.
Shenae Norris, Regional Education Officer (South West)
T:(08) 93829371 E: snorris@cancerwa.asn.au