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TO MARK MEN’S Health Week 2015, the Irish Cancer Society has encouraged men to make themselves aware of the early warning signs.
Every year, around 10,000 men are diagnosed with malignant growths and the group is promoting the idea that the earlier it is caught the better the chance of it being treated successfully.
To encourage men to improve their health, the body has issued 10 warning signs that men should look out for, which are:
Speaking about the drive to raise awareness, Kevin O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager at the Irish Cancer Society has said that, “It’s important to be aware of what is going on in your body and what is normal for you.”
Then you can spot any changes that could be a sign of cancer and take action.
There are more than 200 different types of cancer and in recent years chances of survival have improved substantially.
Between the period 1994-1999 the survival rate was only 40%, a figure which increased to 59% between the years 2008-2011.
Between those same two periods prostate cancer has gone from a survival rate of 66% to 92% and testicular cancer has gone from 90% to 97%.
Men’s Health Week is marked internationally and runs from 15 June to 21 June.
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You are never too young so get your teenage sons to look out for their health too. My son was a young healthy teenager when he was struck with a male cancer. It’s been over eight years and he is still doing well.
that’s great to hear , Catherine .
My dad was complaining for 12 months to his gp about weight loss ( 13st to 10st) and lack of appetite etc. When my mother demanded he be seen too by someone he was diagnosed with cancer of the liver bowel and it was spreading to his brain. He died within 9 weeks. Never let yourself be fobbed off and never feel like your being a nuisance. If your lucky you get one chance at this. Make sure you take it.
Damien , 9 weeks ? , that must have been such a shock for you all , very sad when its so sudden .
Indeed Suzie. Still though I know people with worse stories about this horrible horrible disease.
I am so sorry Damien to hear of your dad’s death , I too lost a lovely friend before Christmas, he had been to his doctor a few times with stomach/bowel problems but no urgency, I met him for lunch and he was unwell so I asked him to get himself checked out. Ironically, he took his cat to the vet and told the vet his story, the vet told him to go straight to A&E, he drove himself there on a Thursday and died of cancer the following Monday, it is so sad as he was a lovely person but somehow the medical profession did not pick up how serious his condition was, but he is missed, anyone who is worried about themselves, go get checked out and if things don’t improve, go back until they refer you and you are treated.
Thank you Andy. My condolences to you also.
Thankfully none of the above. Horrible disease. My son just got all clear thank God after waiting three years to be seen to get tests. Disgraceful waiting time. Have to say when doctors finally did get to see him theyto were disgusted he had vbeen waiting that long. Keep up good work doctors nurses. Admin Irish health minister pull your heads out of your asses.
@Fuve. Waiting two years. I can’t imagine the torture your family went through.
The suits In the health system here should be ashamed.
can I just walk in and get a full check up off doctor or does it not work like that? I’m 29
if so do I just say I want a full check up
I am sure you can. In our case he was been checked for his throat issues and they spotted something else. Then he went on a list. I am not sure but it seems to be the waiting list if any irregularities found that is the problem. Especially if you can’t go private. He has his own job and paid for all his now he has been finally seen.
ya just go in ang reqyest a full medical . they will do blood tests etc that will check for markers. not 100% but as close as you can get for reasonable money
I went to have one done 3 years ago and they told me “ah your fine your young you don’t nee
need a medical
Thank you Journal.More of these articles please.
These symptoms are scary, different bowel functions,? Most people have changes in bowel habits depending on what they eat. I suffer a lot from heartburn, its down to a number of things stress, diet, shiftwork and eating too quickly. I’m gradually sorting these things out as prevention is better than anything.
An excellent article . Oral cancer is also one where early detection can really save your life and it just takes only a 5 min visit to your dentist or doctor .Tissue changes in the mouth that might signal the beginnings of cancer often can be seen and felt easily and often there are no signs and painless .
Signs and symptoms to look out for:
A lump or thickening
Soreness or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Ear pain
Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
Hoarseness
Numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth
Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
If these problems persist for more than 2 weeks,visit your dentist or doctor . This list is not exhaustive by any means and the Irish dental association organise a free campaign with participating dentists once a year to provide a free examination and screening for oral cancer .
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