With regard to wellbeing, men tend to ignore or hide the problems or fears associated with serious illnesses. This needs to be improved as an early diagnosis for many illnesses can prevent them developing into serious problems. According to recent research conducted by Wakefield Research in the US, there is a huge lack of awareness in men with regard to prostate cancer. The study showed that over 60% of men suffered from the “it couldn’t happen to me” syndrome, and put their health at risk unnecessarily. If such individuals knew how to analyse the risk factors associated with disease and had a better knowledge of symptoms, they would be better prepared to face any potential problem and take preventative measures.
If your father or brother contracted prostate cancer, especially at an early age (below 55 years old), you are at a higher risk. If you are of African descent you are also at a higher risk of suffering from prostate cancer. In the US, 1 in 6 men get prostate cancer, 65% of them are over 65 years old but there are many thousands who are younger that are at risk.
It would be helpful if men were to start a process of self-screening, just as the promotion of self-breast-exams has helped women with the problem of breast cancer. Public education in the hope of early diagnosis is the best front line of defense against the problem of cancer, and will make a huge difference to the outcome of the disease where individual cases are concerned. The symptoms of prostate cancer can be hard to identify, but if you suffer from difficulty urinating, frequent, painful or burning urination, erectile dysfunction, swelling in the legs and feet or infertility, you could be at risk. However, awareness of the symptoms is no substitute for regular screening in a medical facility, as in some cases prostate cancer can be asymptomatic.
It is well worth overcoming your fear of cancer, in order to ensure you are better protected against it! Regular tests according to your doctor’s advice are an essential means of reducing cancer rates, and are very often life-saving. Make sure you are well educated about how to reduce the risk and maintain a balanced wellness by a healthy lifestyle. This includes a vegetarian diet, good exercise and a proactive attitude towards health that combats potential problems before they develop.
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