Cancer death rates are a third higher in men

The fact that men are more likely than women to both develop and die from cancer has been covered by most of the media today. The news is based on a report highlighting the excess cancer burden in men (both in terms of cases and deaths), and was produced by Cancer Research UK, the Men’s Health Forum and the National Cancer Intelligence Network. The results of the report were widely and accurately reported in the media. The report found that men are at significantly greater risk of both developing and dying from cancer, and the difference in risk increased further when breast and sex-specific cancers, for example cervical or prostate cancer, were excluded. The reasons for the increased risk in men compared to women are unknown. Biological differences between men and women may be part of the explanation, as could differences in social factors that determine the risk of developing cancer, such as smoking. Another theory, as many journalists speculated in their reporting, is that men may be less likely to seek diagnosis for the early signs of cancer than women. Current advice, applicable to both men and women, is to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing cancer and to visit your doctor if you notice any unusual or persistent change in your body, such as changes in bowel habits, difficulties swallowing, or a persistent cough.   What are the main findings of the report? More men than women are diagnosed with cancer. In 2010, 163,904 new cases ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer QA articles Source Type: news