This week is International Men's Health Health Week (10th - 16th June). Cancer Focus have some great advice to increase awareness on the most common cancers affecting men. Share it with someone you know! 

Every year, around 6,600 men are diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland. About 2,000 of these are the less serious non malignant skin cancers. These are startling statistics but over half of all cancers can be prevented with a healthier lifestyle.

The 3 most common cancers in men:

Prostate

Over 1,000 men are diagnosed each  year. If  you are experiencing any symptoms speak to your doctor.

Bowel

Over 700 men are diagnosed each year. If  you are aged between 60 and 74 please use the bowel testing kit when it  is sent to your home as part of the bowel screening programme.

Lung

Over 600 men are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. Tobacco is the major cause - 1 in 6 people with the disease have never smoked.

Some simple tips include:

Healthy Weight

Keeping to a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to lower your risk of cancer. 

Healthy Diet:

• Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day - these can be fresh, frozen, canned, cooked or raw 
• Eat more fibre - switch to brown bread, wholemeal pasta, brown rice  rather than white
• High salt intake is linked to stomach cancer so aim for under 6g per day
• Eat less red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and less processed meat such as sausages,  bacon and salami
• Cut back on foods high in fat and sugar

Exercise

Exercise lowers your risk of cancer and helps you to enjoy life. Aim for 30 minutes of vigorous activity (sport, running, cycling) or 60 minutes of moderate activity (brisk walking, gardening, golf) every day. You can also break it down into smaller chunks - 2 x 15 minutes. Any amount of exercise is better than none at all.

Care in the Sun

Even  in  Northern Ireland you can get skin cancer from the sun, especially if you play sports or work outside. Follow this simple advice:

• Wear a T-shirt and hat
• Stay in the shade from 11am to 3pm
• Use SPF15+ sunscreen 
• Keep an eye on moles. If you notice any change in colour, shape, size  or  how  they feel, tell your doctor.

Alcohol

If consumed at all, limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day:

• 1  pint of beer/cider =  2  drinks
• 1  measure  of  gin/vodka/rum  =  1  drink
• 1  small glass of wine =  1 drink