Lifestyle choice could increase men’s cancer risk
A reluctance to lead a healthy lifestyle and visit the doctor could result in a greater number of cancer cases and deaths in males.
Experts at Cancer Research UK say men are 60 per cent more likely to develop cancer than women, and 70 per cent more likely to die from it – and, although there is no known biological reason for this, it could be because women take better care of themselves.
The latest report analysed data on all cancers from 2006 and 2007 and found that overall, men are 40 per cent more likely to die from cancer and 16 per cent more likely to develop the disease.
But excluding gender specific cancers such as breast cancer, the gap is much wider.
Professor David Forman, information lead for the National Cancer Intelligence Network, which helped to carry out the research, said: “Men have a reputation for having a ‘stiff upper lip’ and not being as health conscious as women.
“What we see from this report could be a reflection of this attitude, meaning men are less likely to make lifestyle changes that could reduce their risk of the disease and less likely to go to their doctor with cancer symptoms.”
Lifestyle choices can contribute significantly to a person’s risk of developing cancer. Obesity is a major factor, along with excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.
A recent survey carried out by the World Cancer Research Fund found that four out of ten people are unaware that eating a poor diet can increase their risk of cancer.
Dr Lesley Walker, from Cancer Research UK, said: “After smoking, obesity is the biggest risk factor for cancer, and the evidence showing the link continues to strengthen.
“Small changes can have a big effect on our cancer risk and everyone needs to take action, individuals as well as government.”
She added that people needed to “make the healthy choice the easy choice in all aspects of our lives.”
Men are also less likely to visit the doctor with health concerns, which may be in part due to a lack of services specifically aimed at men.
Professor Alan White, Chairman of the Men's Health Forum, said: “Men have got a certain degree of responsibility to look to their lifestyle, but the services also have to be reaching out to men.
“If you think that nearly 14 million men work full-time and of those 28 per cent are working over 45 hours, then getting to the services is actually very problematic.
“We have to look very much more at how we change the services so they are more male appropriate. I think if you are suffering from something and it's not going away, then get it checked out. That's the simple message.”
Westfield Health cash plans offer a range of healthcare benefits, including a GP telephone consultation service, which enables policyholders to speak to a fully qualified GP 24 hours a day.
The GP can offer advice on a range of health issues including diseases, new treatments, exercise and nutrition. And as they take into account personal medical history, they are, in many cases, able to provide a diagnosis and recommend an appropriate course of action.
In the current economic climate, joining a gym may be a low priority, but many of Westfield’s plans include a health club concession benefit, which provides policyholders with access to special concessionary membership deals at a range of UK health and fitness clubs.
For more information on the Advantage Health Cash Plan, please visit:
http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/advantage/index.asp
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http://www.westfieldhealth.com/individual-health-plans/health-cash-plan.asp
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