8 health issues more common in men than women

According to a survey conducted by Cleveland Clinic in the United States last year, men tend to be indifferent about getting health check-ups, maintaining a nutritious diet, and visiting the hospital when they are sick.

In this regard, Dr. Daniel Sullivan, a professor of internal medicine and geriatrics at Cleveland Clinic, pointed out eight health issues that primarily affect men.

 

First, there is cardiovascular disease. About half of American adults have cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is a collective term for deadly diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels.

This condition is related to major causes of death in men, such as heart attacks and strokes. To prevent it, it is important to reduce animal-based foods, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking. Regular health check-ups to monitor factors like cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure are also necessary.

The second is diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that develops gradually. Many people are unaware of their symptoms and only find out through blood sugar tests. Currently, over 500 million people worldwide have diabetes, and in the United States, 1 in 9 people suffers from diabetes. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision loss.

 

Thirdly, it is skin cancer. Men tend to use sunscreen less often than women. This is a common trait observed in men regardless of age. Regarding the lower use of sunscreen, men have a higher incidence of skin cancer and often have worse outcomes even after diagnosis. New moles or enlarging moles on the skin can be signs of skin cancer, so it is important to consult a doctor if any changes occur.

Fourthly, prostate cancer. The prostate is a small organ within the male reproductive system, but it can be a major concern. On average, 1 in 8 men is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease and tends to occur mainly in older men. It is recommended to begin prostate cancer screening at age 55. Early detection is of utmost importance.

 

It is the fifth most common testicular cancer. One of the cancers that men are vulnerable to is testicular cancer. It is most commonly found in young men between the ages of 15 and 35. Fortunately, testicular cancer can be treated if detected early. The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a painless lump in the testicle. It is also good to take about two minutes each month to perform a self-examination of the testicles to check for any abnormalities.

Colorectal cancer is the sixth most common. Although the number of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer has been decreasing since the 1980s, it is noteworthy that the incidence rate among those under 50 is steadily increasing. Experts recommend starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45, and those with a family history should consider screening at an earlier age. In particular, colonoscopy is the most effective method for detecting and removing polyps that can develop into cancer.

 

Seventh, there is an issue related to alcohol consumption. Men tend to drink more frequently and in larger quantities than women. This can lead to various health problems. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of colon cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, oral cancer, prostate cancer, and throat cancer. Additionally, alcohol can cause mental health issues, decreased sexual function, and reproductive health problems. Dr. Sullivan points out that alcohol is actually a toxic substance, and there is no safe amount to drink. He also added that the more alcohol consumed, the higher the likelihood of developing related diseases.

 

Finally, respiratory diseases. People with a history of smoking should be especially cautious about respiratory diseases. Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Early detection of respiratory diseases and receiving appropriate treatment can minimize long-term damage.

 

<Source: Wikitrib>