Why are we talking about men and not women? Don’t women get cancer? The reality is, though women get cancer, the disease is more prevalent in men. The oncologists and researchers working at the best cancer special hospital in Kolkata tell from their professional experience that men are more likely to get cancer than women. For men, the chance of developing cancer is one in two whereas that in case of women is one in three.

What are the reasons?

According to the scientists, the increased risk of cancer in men is linked to their lifestyle. Men have been heavier smokers and alcoholic – the two major risk factors for cancer. In addition, the work environments also expose them to cancer risks. For example, men working in factories may get hour-long exposure to carcinogenic elements such as, asbestos and industrial fumes or toxins. Though in recent times, women have also taken to smoking and drinking and started working in offices, the greater incidence of cancer in men still remains consistent. For decades, the disparity has been a puzzle for the scientists.

In 2016, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and several hospitals conducted a study, wherein the investigators identified a genetic factor for the disparity. According to their investigations, females carry an extra line of defence that prevents cells from abnormal growth and causing cancer. However, these protective genes are not the only factor for the increased cancer risk in men. The phenomenon explains the gender imbalance to some extent.

The physicians at the best oncology hospital in India have identified the five most common cancers in men. These include:

• Melanoma
• Lung Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Prostate Cancer

Fortunately, men can adopt some healthy lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of developing cancer. Here are some important lifestyle changes that you can incorporate to stay safe as much as possible.

• Set SMART goals. SMART has five components – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-Bound. Regular checking is important to measure progress.
• Share your SMART goals with someone you trust and who will give you a constant reminder. Call or message to update the buddy on your progress. Setting a deadline really helps to keep you on track.
• Don’t go for overwhelming changes; try to accomplish small changes. A brisk walk, some physical exercises or joining a zumba class is a way to get started.
• You should revolutionize your mind set. Don’t focus on what you should avoid eating; rather think about what you can do to stay healthy and enjoy life to the fullest.
• Quit smoking. If you are a chain smoker, it may not be possible overnight. So, reduce the frequency of smoking and overtime, you will be able to give up the bad habit. Drink in moderation and try to quit it.
• Start ‘Habit Stacking’. Identify a new habit and place it at the top of your behaviours. For example, put vegetables on your platter first; take staircase instead of an elevator.
• There are several health-related mobile apps available today. Some of them are free whereas others come at a price. Use a health app that will encourage you and give you feedbacks for sustainable lifestyle changes.

Prevention is always better than cure. True it is that breast, melanoma, thyroid, prostate and colon cancer treatment have improved a lot. Still, if you can avoid the risk of getting cancer, why not to give it a try?

Researches are the only key to understand the disease more and find out a cure.  Therefore, it’s more important to donate generously to the cancer hospital.