LIHU‘E — Father’s Day is the perfect time to remind fathers, grandfathers, sons and other male family members and friends about the importance of early detection of and prevention from various forms of cancer, states an American Cancer Society release.
Remind male loved ones to talk to their doctors about cancer screenings and cancer prevention, said Mary Williamson, ACS Kaua‘i community manager-health initiatives.
A few simple steps can help men stay well and live longer, healthier lives:
— Colon cancer screening: Beginning at age 50, men should be tested for colon cancer. If colon cancer is found in the earliest stages, the survival rate is 90 percent. Avoid colon cancer altogether by getting tested;
— Prostate cancer: Beginning at age 50, men should talk to their doctors about the risks and potential benefits of prostate-cancer screening to decide if it’s right for them. African-American men and men who have a strong family history of prostate cancer should begin this discussion at age 45;
— No smoking: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women. Reduce risk by not smoking or using tobacco products, and by avoiding secondhand smoke;
— Skin cancer: When detected in its earliest stages and treated properly, skin cancer is highly curable. Always use sunscreen and limit or avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays during the midday hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;
— Regular doctor visits: A routine physical is the perfect time for men to ask their doctor about other ways to remain healthy;
— Physical activity: Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity five or more days a week;
— Healthy diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and maintain a healthy weight.
For more ways to help the men in your life stay well, visit cancer.org or call toll-free 1-800-227-2345 anytime day or night.
The ACS combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer, the release states.
As a global grassroots force of more than 3 million volunteers, staff and volunteers fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community.
They save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion, ACS turns what is known about cancer into what is being done about it, the release states.
As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year, states the release.
