ANA Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation® Blog - Expanding Cancer Awareness in Male Patients
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4 cancers men may not be thinking about, but should
If you ask most men what they know about their cancer risk, their responses may include something about male-specific cancers such as prostate and testicular cancers but generally not much more. Depending on their age, they may also mention lung and colorectal cancer screenings.
But those aren’t the only cancers men should be concerned about, says Salvatore (Sal) Giorgianni, Jr., PharmD, co-founder, vice president, and chief alliances and development officer for Healthy Men Inc. There are other less-talked-about cancers that men need to consider. Otherwise, they may not take preventive action or recognize early signs of these diseases.
“Many guys don’t recognize cancer as a true health concern until they are older,” Dr. Giorgianni says. “That’s when they may start to notice friends, colleagues, and men their age get cancer. But even then, they still tend to take the approach, ‘if I don’t look, it won’t happen.’”
The problem is that men generally have a 20% higher risk for cancer and are 40% more likely to die from cancer than women. Experts aren’t entirely sure why that is. But some researchers suggest women may have an extra gene that offers protection from cancer.
Regardless of the reason, men — and the nurses who care for them — need to have the facts about cancer risk and know what to do about it.
Cancers Men May Not Be Thinking About
In addition to male-specific cancers and those with preventive screenings available, there are a few other types of cancer Dr. Giorgianni recommends discussing with all your male patients:
“Bladder cancer, when caught early, can be easily treated,” Dr. Giorgianni says. “But some of the earliest symptoms, such as frequent urination or urgency, can be issues that many men attribute to getting older.” Blood in the urine is the most common early symptom of bladder cancer.
It’s critical to talk to men about breast cancer early, Dr. Giorgianni says. Then, if they notice symptoms, they’ll address them quickly. Men with breast cancer may notice:
“While it’s not proven, there may also be an association between family or personal history of testicular cancer and the development of breast cancer,” Dr. Giorgianni adds. A family history of breast cancer also increases the risk. “It’s important for nurses and providers to collect a good health history and make patients aware of these possible connections.”
The most common HPV-associated cancer among men is throat (oropharyngeal) cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are more cases of male throat cancer linked to HPV each year than cervical cancer cases. HPV can also cause cancer in a man’s penis, anus, or rectum.
Approximately 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime. The good news is that the HPV vaccine, given in adolescence, offers protection from the virus. “It’s critical to make parents aware that while their son may get the vaccine before he’s sexually active, the vaccine is incredibly effective and will protect them throughout their life,” Dr. Giorgianni says. Once someone has HPV, the vaccine can’t help.
“Women are taught from a very young age to be body aware and do self-exams,” Dr. Giorgianni says. “They are also more concerned with their skin’s appearance and health. But it’s not something that guys focus on. You need to draw their attention to it.”
How to Raise Awareness and Protect Male Patients
Finding ways to engage men in their health care should always be a priority for nurses. It will likely involve ongoing conversations beginning in boyhood.
Dr. Giorgianni recommends a few things you can do as a nurse to protect your male patients from the cancers they may not be thinking about:
“It’s going to require many conversations with your male patients to help them understand their higher risk for cancer and the possibility of having a worse outcome,” Dr. Giorgianni says. “It’s always a good idea to start that conversation as early as possible and look for that ‘teachable moment’ to drive home the point and encourage action.”
How do you raise cancer awareness with your male patients? Share with us in our discussion below. Learn more about Healthy Men Inc.
Not a member of Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation (HNHN) yet? Join today!
Sign up for our monthly challenges!
But those aren’t the only cancers men should be concerned about, says Salvatore (Sal) Giorgianni, Jr., PharmD, co-founder, vice president, and chief alliances and development officer for Healthy Men Inc. There are other less-talked-about cancers that men need to consider. Otherwise, they may not take preventive action or recognize early signs of these diseases.
“Many guys don’t recognize cancer as a true health concern until they are older,” Dr. Giorgianni says. “That’s when they may start to notice friends, colleagues, and men their age get cancer. But even then, they still tend to take the approach, ‘if I don’t look, it won’t happen.’”
The problem is that men generally have a 20% higher risk for cancer and are 40% more likely to die from cancer than women. Experts aren’t entirely sure why that is. But some researchers suggest women may have an extra gene that offers protection from cancer.
Regardless of the reason, men — and the nurses who care for them — need to have the facts about cancer risk and know what to do about it.
Cancers Men May Not Be Thinking About
In addition to male-specific cancers and those with preventive screenings available, there are a few other types of cancer Dr. Giorgianni recommends discussing with all your male patients:
- Bladder Cancer
“Bladder cancer, when caught early, can be easily treated,” Dr. Giorgianni says. “But some of the earliest symptoms, such as frequent urination or urgency, can be issues that many men attribute to getting older.” Blood in the urine is the most common early symptom of bladder cancer.
- Breast Cancer
It’s critical to talk to men about breast cancer early, Dr. Giorgianni says. Then, if they notice symptoms, they’ll address them quickly. Men with breast cancer may notice:
- A lump or swelling
- Nipple discharge, pain, or changes in appearance
- Red, flaky, or dimpled skin on the chest
“While it’s not proven, there may also be an association between family or personal history of testicular cancer and the development of breast cancer,” Dr. Giorgianni adds. A family history of breast cancer also increases the risk. “It’s important for nurses and providers to collect a good health history and make patients aware of these possible connections.”
- HPV-Related Cancers
The most common HPV-associated cancer among men is throat (oropharyngeal) cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are more cases of male throat cancer linked to HPV each year than cervical cancer cases. HPV can also cause cancer in a man’s penis, anus, or rectum.
Approximately 85% of people will get an HPV infection in their lifetime. The good news is that the HPV vaccine, given in adolescence, offers protection from the virus. “It’s critical to make parents aware that while their son may get the vaccine before he’s sexually active, the vaccine is incredibly effective and will protect them throughout their life,” Dr. Giorgianni says. Once someone has HPV, the vaccine can’t help.
- Melanoma
“Women are taught from a very young age to be body aware and do self-exams,” Dr. Giorgianni says. “They are also more concerned with their skin’s appearance and health. But it’s not something that guys focus on. You need to draw their attention to it.”
How to Raise Awareness and Protect Male Patients
Finding ways to engage men in their health care should always be a priority for nurses. It will likely involve ongoing conversations beginning in boyhood.
Dr. Giorgianni recommends a few things you can do as a nurse to protect your male patients from the cancers they may not be thinking about:
- Educate boys and men about self-exam for testicular, breast, and skin cancer: Many men don’t think about checking themselves regularly or don’t know how to do it. Teach your patients how to incorporate these self-screenings into their everyday lives.
- Encourage good lifestyle choices: Men who have a genetic predisposition to a particular type of cancer — whether they know it or not — may be able to keep that cancer at bay for longer by making healthy lifestyle choices. Limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco are some ways to reduce cancer risk.
- Help young patients avoid obesity: The rate of cancer diagnoses at young ages is rising, and many experts believe obesity may play a role. Extra weight takes a toll on the body and can cause an inflammatory response that may increase the risk of cancer. Guide young patients to exercise and eat a healthy diet to protect them long term.
- Stress the importance of family health history: Knowing your family health history is essential. Many men tend not to collect their family’s medical history — they may not be asked about it if they don’t take their children for medical appointments or see health care providers for themselves.
“It’s going to require many conversations with your male patients to help them understand their higher risk for cancer and the possibility of having a worse outcome,” Dr. Giorgianni says. “It’s always a good idea to start that conversation as early as possible and look for that ‘teachable moment’ to drive home the point and encourage action.”
How do you raise cancer awareness with your male patients? Share with us in our discussion below. Learn more about Healthy Men Inc.
Not a member of Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation (HNHN) yet? Join today!
Sign up for our monthly challenges!
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09/05/2024 2:10pm CDT
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