Cancer and Men

"Men have higher rates of getting and dying from cancer than women. You can lower your chance of getting certain kinds of cancer.

Most cancers take years to develop. Many things can affect your chance of getting cancer. Things that raise your chance of getting cancer are called risk factors.

You can’t control some risk factors, like getting older. But you can control many others. In fact, there are things you can do every day to avoid getting cancer. Two of the most important things you can do are making healthy choices and getting the screening tests that are right for you.

Healthy Choices

Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to lower your cancer risk. Smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body. If you don’t smoke, make sure you stay away from other people’s smoke.

The link between smoking and cancer is well-known. But you may be surprised by other things that can lead to cancer.

• Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or artificial sources like a tanning bed, booth, or sunlamp can cause skin cancer, the most common cancer.
• Drinking alcohol raises your risk of getting five kinds of cancer, including liver cancer and colorectal cancer.
• About 40% of all cancers are associated with overweight and obesity.
  

Screening Tests

Screening means checking your body for cancer before you have symptoms. All screening tests have benefits and harms. Screening is recommended when the benefits outweigh the harms.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

If you’re 45 to 75 years old, get screened regularly.

You should start getting screened for colorectal cancer soon after turning 45, and get screened regularly until you’re 75. Several screening tests are available. Some can be done at home, and others are done in a doctor’s office. Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you..."

Cancer & Men 

Cancer and Women

"You can take steps every day to lower your chance of getting certain kinds of cancer.

Most cancers take years to develop. Many things can affect your chance of getting cancer. Things that raise your chance of getting cancer are called risk factors.

You can’t control some risk factors, like getting older. But you can control many others. In fact, there are things you can do every day to avoid getting cancer. Two of the most important things you can do are making healthy choices and getting the screening tests that are right for you.

Healthy Choices

Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to lower your cancer risk. Smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body. If you don’t smoke, make sure you stay away from other people’s smoke.

The link between smoking and cancer is well-known. But you may be surprised by other things that can lead to cancer.

• Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or artificial sources like a tanning bed, booth, or sunlamp can cause skin cancer, the most common cancer.
• Drinking alcohol raises your risk of getting six kinds of cancer, including breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
• About 40% of all cancers are associated with overweight and obesity.."
  Cancer and Women 

Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients

"Call your doctor right away if you get a fever or feel sick during your chemotherapy treatment.

People with cancer who are treated with chemotherapy are more likely to get infections. Your immune system helps your body protect itself from getting an infection. Cancer and chemotherapy can damage this system by reducing the number of infection-fighting white blood cells. This condition is called neutropenia.

An infection can lead to sepsis, the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening medical emergency.

Find out from your doctor when your white blood cell count is likely to be lowest, since this is when you’re most at risk for infection. This usually occurs between 7 and 12 days after you finish each chemotherapy dose, and may last as long as one week.

How to Prevent Infections During Your Cancer Treatment

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Watch Out for Fever

If you get a fever during your chemotherapy treatment, it’s a medical emergency. Take your temperature any time you feel warm, flushed, chilled, or not well. Call your doctor right away if you have a temperature of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher.

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Wash Your Hands Often

Clean hands help prevent infections. You and anyone who comes around you, including family members, doctors, and nurses, also should wash their hands often. Don’t be afraid to ask people to wash their hands.

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Know the Symptoms of Infection

Call your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of an infection, such as a fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, redness or swelling in any area, diarrhea, or vomiting..."

Cancer and infections 

New Updates to the US Cancer Statistics Data Visualizations Tool

"The US Cancer Statistics Data Visualizations tool provides quick access to data for researchers, clinicians, policy makers, and public health professionals. New data have been added, and the tool’s layout has been redesigned to improve navigation, data-sharing options, and visual displays.

The changes are described below.

Data are grouped under six new headings across the top of the website. These new headings are:

• At a Glance:
  • An overview of new cancer case counts and rates.
  • Death counts and rates.
  • Leading cancer sites statistics.
  • Statistics for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, specifically non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native people living in Indian Health Service Purchase/Referred Care Delivery Area (PRCDA) counties.
  • Childhood cancer statistics.
• Geography: Cancer data by state, county, and congressional district and for Puerto Rico.
• Trends: Cancer trends in dynamic maps for the overall United States and by state.
• Stage/Survival/Prevalence:– Cancer stage data, 5-year relative survival, and limited duration prevalence by specific type of cancer, race, ethnicity, and age group.
• Screening and Risk factors: Cancer screening and risk factor data from CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
• Special Analysis: Data for brain cancer that uses the standard histology groupings of the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States and for other cancers grouped by associated risk factors, such as alcohol use, obesity, and tobacco use..."
  Cancer statistics 

Firefighter Cancer Awareness

"Cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters, and research suggests firefighters are at higher risk of certain types of cancers when compared to the general population. January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. Learn more about firefighters’ cancer risk and what can be done to reduce the risk.

Hazards

Firefighting settings are complex and contain various hazardous substances. Firefighters can be exposed to hundreds of different chemicals in the form of gases, vapors, and particulates. Some of these chemical substances are known or suspected to cause cancer. Some of these hazardous substances are byproducts of combustion or burning, such as benzene and formaldehyde. Others come from the materials burning or in the fire debris, such as asbestos from older structures.

Firefighters can come into contact with chemicals by breathing them in, getting them on their skin or in their eyes, or by ingesting them. If protective clothing, known as turnout gear, is not adequately cleaned or stored after a fire response or training event, chemicals on the gear or equipment can contaminate vehicles and the fire station. Reusing dirty turnout gear or respiratory protection can also result in exposures to hazardous substances. These exposures can occur by skin contact with contaminated personal protective equipment (PPE) or by breathing in or ingesting particles from contaminated PPE.

Prevention

It is important for the Fire Service to educate its members about safe work practices. Effective training promotes a safety culture that cultivates sound work practices. Sound work practices are designed to reduce exposures to hazardous agents, which is key to reducing occupational illnesses, including cancer. Training should emphasize the proper use and care of PPE and turnout gear and the proper use of approved respiratory protection during all phases of firefighting..."
Firefighters and cancer 

Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots) and Cancer

"Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots) and Cancer

Español (Spanish)

If you are currently being treated for cancer, it is important to know that you are at increased risk for developing a blood clot. The good news, though, is blood clots may be preventable and treated if discovered early.

While everyone is at risk for developing a blood clot (also called venous thromboembolism or VTE), having cancer and some of its treatments increase the risk for a blood clot. Learn other interesting facts about blood clots below.

Why Are People with Cancer at Risk for Developing a Blood Clot?

• Some cancers pose a greater risk for blood clots, including cancers involving the pancreas, stomach, brain, lungs, uterus, ovaries, and kidneys. Certain blood cancers, such as lymphoma and myeloma, also increase risk.
• Treatments for these cancers involving hospitalization, surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and catheters (small tubes placed in veins to administer treatments) may also increase your risk for blood clots.

Several other factors may also increase the risk for a blood clot in a person being treated for cancer, such as

• A previous blood clot
• Family history of blood clots or inherited clotting disorder
• Hospitalization for illness or major surgery, particularly those involving the pelvis, abdomen, hip, or knee
• Broken bone or severe muscle injury
• Severe physical trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident
• Serious medical conditions, such as heart and lung diseases or diabetes
• Sitting too long, such as traveling for more than 4 hours, especially with legs crossed
• Other causes of immobility, such as extended bedrest
• Being overweight or having obesity
• Smoking.."
  Blood clots

Cancer Prevention Starts in Childhood

"You can lower your children’s risk of getting cancer later in life by getting them vaccinated against HPV and helping them make healthy choices.

Get Your Kids Vaccinated Against HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. It can cause cervical and other kinds of cancer. Some cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx (back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) are caused by HPV.

The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cancer. All preteens should get vaccinated when they are 11 or 12 years old. Teenagers and young adults through 26 years, who haven’t started or finished the HPV vaccine series, should get vaccinated as soon as possible. HPV vaccination can be given starting at age 9 years.

Talk to Your Kids About Smoking and Cancer

Nearly 9 out of 10 people who smoke cigarettes first try them by age 18, and 98% by age 26. In 2019, about one-third of high school students and about 1 in 8 middle school students had used a tobacco product in the past 30 days. Talk to your children about why you don’t want them to smoke..."
Cancer prevention in children

HPV Diseases and Cancers

"HPV infections can lead to certain to certain types of cancer in men and women. Whether you have a son or daughter, talk to your child’s doctor about the HPV vaccine to prevent these cancers.

6 types of cancer caused by HPV

HPV can cause cancers of the:

• Cervix, vagina, and vulva in women
• Penisexternal icon in men
• Anusexternal icon and back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (oropharynx), in both women and men

Cancer often takes years, even decades, to develop after a person gets HPV. CDC recommends HPV vaccination at ages 11-12 to protect against these cancers.

There is no way to know which people who have HPV will develop cancer or other health problems. People with weakened immune systems (including individuals with HIV/AIDS) may be less able to fight off HPV and more likely to develop health problems from it..."
HPV

Cancer, the Flu, and You

"If you have cancer now or have had cancer in the past, you are at higher risk for complications from the flu.

Get Your Flu Shot!

Flu vaccination is especially important for people with cancer or a history of cancer because they are at high risk of developing serious flu complications.

Are You 65 Years Old or Older?

Some older adults (65 years of age and older) may have a weaker immune response to flu vaccines. This can make them more likely to get the flu or flu complications.

Two vaccines are designed to create a stronger immune response in people who are 65 or older—

• The high-dose flu vaccine contains four times the amount of antigen as the regular flu shot.
• The adjuvanted flu vaccine contains an additive (called adjuvant).

For more information, see People 65 Years and Older and Influenza..."
Cancer and the flu 

Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots) and Cancer

"If you are currently being treated for cancer, it is important to know that you are at increased risk for developing a blood clot. The good news, though, is blood clots may be preventable and treated if discovered early.

While everyone is at risk for developing a blood clot (also called venous thromboembolism or VTE), having cancer and some of its treatments increase the risk for a blood clot. Learn other interesting facts about blood clots below.

Why Are People with Cancer at Risk for Developing a Blood Clot?

• Some cancers pose a greater risk for blood clots, including cancers involving the pancreas, stomach, brain, lungs, uterus, ovaries, and kidneys. Certain blood cancers, such as lymphoma and myeloma, also increase risk.
• Treatments for these cancers involving hospitalization, surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and catheters (small tubes placed in veins to administer treatments) may also increase your risk for blood clots.

Several other factors may also increase the risk for a blood clot in a person being treated for cancer, such as

• A previous blood clot
• Family history of blood clots or inherited clotting disorder
• Hospitalization for illness or major surgery, particularly those involving the pelvis, abdomen, hip, or knee
• Broken bone or severe muscle injury
• Severe physical trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident
• Serious medical conditions, such as heart and lung diseases or diabetes
• Sitting too long, such as traveling for more than 4 hours, especially with legs crossed
• Other causes of immobility, such as extended bedrest
• Being overweight or having obesity
• Smoking.."
  Venous Thromboembolism

Cervical Cancer Awareness

"You can prevent cervical cancer by getting screened regularly, starting at age 21.

“I was busy working, traveling, and enjoying life. I completely forgot to pay attention to my health,” said actress Cote de Pablo. “Too much time passed since my last Pap.

“By the time I was tested, things didn’t look too good. We thought I might have cervical cancer.

“I was lucky! After lots of worries—no cancer.

“I’ve always been very close to my mother. When we finally got good results, she broke down. And that’s when I realized it’s not just about me. It’s about your loved ones, too. Get checked for cervical cancer.”

Screening Tests

Two tests help prevent cervical cancer or find it early—

• The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
• The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes.

Screening Options

You should get your first Pap test at age 21. If your test result is normal, you can wait three years for your next test.

If you’re 30 years old or older, you have three options—

• You can continue getting a Pap test only. If your test result is normal, you can wait three years for your next test.
• You can get an HPV test only. If your test result is normal, you can wait five years for your next test.
• You can get both an HPV and Pap test together. If your test results are normal, you can wait five years for your next tests.

If you have a low income or do not have health insurance, you may be able to get free or low-cost cervical cancer screening through CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Find out if you qualify.,,"
Cervical cancer

Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients

"Learn how to prevent infections. Call your doctor right away if you get a fever or feel sick during your chemotherapy treatment.

Cancer patients who are treated with chemotherapy are more likely to get infections. Each year in the United States, 60,000 cancer patients are hospitalized because their low white blood cell count led to a serious infection. One in 14 of these patients dies.

The immune system helps your body protect itself from getting an infection. Cancer and chemotherapy can damage this system by reducing your number of infection-fighting white blood cells, a condition called neutropenia. An infection can lead to sepsis, the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to an infection.

Find out from your doctor when your white blood cell count is likely to be lowest, since this is when you’re most at risk for infection. This usually occurs between 7 and 12 days after you finish each chemotherapy dose, and may last as long as one week.."
Cancer patients

Prostate Cancer Awareness

"Should you get screened for prostate cancer?

The answer is different for each man. Before getting screened for prostate cancer, learn about the possible benefits and harms of screening so that you can make the best choice for you. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk for prostate cancer to figure out what is right for you.

What Is Prostate Cancer Screening?

Cancer screening means looking for cancer before it causes symptoms. The goal of screening for prostate cancer is to find cancer early that may spread if not treated.

Screening for prostate cancer begins with a blood test called a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. PSA is a substance your prostate makes. This test measures the level of PSA in your blood. Your PSA level may be high if you have prostate cancer. Remember, your PSA level may be high for many  reasons, such as having an enlarged prostate, a prostate infection, or taking certain medicines..."
Prostate cencer

Cancer and Men

"Tips for Lowering Your Cancer Risk

Every year, more than 300,000 men in the United States lose their lives to cancer. You can lower your cancer risk in several ways.

• Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Stay up-to-date on screening tests for colorectal and lung cancer.
• Protect your skin from the sun when outdoors, and avoid indoor tanning.
• Make healthy choices like staying active, keeping a healthy weight, and limiting how much alcohol you drink.

Fast Facts About Cancer and Men

• The most common kinds of cancer among men in the U.S. are skin cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.
• Most prostate cancers grow slowly, and don’t cause any health problems in men who have them. Treatment can cause serious side effects. Talk to your doctor before you decide to get tested or treated for prostate cancer.
• A human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended routinely for boys at 11 or 12 years of age to prevent anal cancer and genital warts. The vaccine also is recommended for all teenage boys and men through age 21, any man who has sex with men through age 26, and men with compromised immune systems (including HIV) through age 26, if they did not receive all doses of the vaccine when they were younger..."

Cancer and men

Staying Healthy During and After Cancer Treatment

"“I’m proud to say that my family is full of survivors. My mother, aunt, and cousin are all cancer survivors. However, it’s a whole different ballgame when the person with cancer is staring at you in the mirror,” says Pam.

“I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer in 2013. Not only did I learn I had triple-negative breast cancer (an aggressive and hard-to-treat type of breast cancer), but I accepted that my treatment plan would include chemotherapy followed by surgery and radiation.

“Before 2013, my days were spent working, driving a carpool, making dinner, and checking tasks off my never-ending to-do list. I wasn’t anywhere on that list. My true focus centered more on the health and happiness of my two boys.

“I’m thankful to be cancer-free today,” she says. “Having cancer forced me to understand the importance of making my health a priority.”

Preventing Infections During Chemotherapy

If you get chemotherapy to treat cancer, you’re more likely to get an infection. Chemotherapy kills many white blood cells, which are good cells that help your body fight infections. This is a side effect called neutropenia.

The most important things you can do to lower your risk of infection are—

• Wash your hands often, and ask your family, visitors, and health care providers to wash theirs, too.
• Get a flu shot every year, and encourage your family and friends to get one. Ask your doctor if you need a pneumococcal shot.
• Call your doctor right away if you notice any signs of an infection, especially a fever..."
  Cancer treatment