Tips for Preventing Common Cancers in Men
发布时间：2025-10-27
The third Sunday in June marks Father’s Day. Every father was once a young man — but as time passes, gray strands appear at the temples, and life leaves its marks on their faces. On this Father’s Day, we offer this guide on cancer prevention and health care to help the “most handsome man in the world” learn a little more about protecting his own well-being.
Three Common Cancers That Middle-Aged Men Should Watch Out For
According to the National Cancer Center Journal’s 2022 National Cancer Statistics Report, the incidence of cancer among Chinese men continues to rise.[1]
Here are three major cancers that have affected countless fathers and their families. Are there early symptoms? Can they be prevented? And once diagnosed, how should they be treated?
Lung Cancer: One of the Most Common Cancers in Men
Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality rate of all malignancies worldwide. It is also the most common cancer among men, accounting for about 24.6% of all new cancer cases.[1] In its early stages, lung cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms. When cough, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), fever, or chest discomfort appear, it’s time to pay serious attention to lung health. The WHO’s 2020 World Cancer Report recommends that people at high risk—particularly those over 50 years old with known risk factors—undergo annual low-dose spiral CT scans for early detection of lung cancer.
Liver Cancer: A Major Health Threat for Chinese Fathers
In 2018, China accounted for nearly half of all new liver cancer cases and deaths worldwide, with a five-year survival rate of only 12.1%.[2] China is, by all accounts, a country with a high burden of liver cancer. Early-stage liver cancer usually causes no obvious symptoms, though some patients may experience loss of appetite, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea—symptoms that are often nonspecific. Unfortunately, by the time clear discomfort occurs, the disease is often already in its middle or late stages. Early detection typically relies on abdominal ultrasound combined with AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) testing. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment. Today, treatment options include surgery, liver transplantation, interventional therapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
Prostate Cancer: Closely Tied to “Men’s Dignity”
The incidence of prostate cancer increases with age, with 80% of cases occurring in men over 65. It has become one of the major causes of cancer-related death in men.[3] As a cancer involving a private male organ, prostate cancer is often associated with the idea of “male dignity.” Early-stage prostate cancer is usually symptomless, but as it progresses, it can cause difficulty urinating, increased nighttime urination, urinary incontinence, blood in the urine, and erectile dysfunction, leading to both physical and psychological distress. According to the Chinese Expert Consensus on Prostate Cancer Screening (2021 Edition) issued by the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association, men are advised to undergo regular PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing, especially those at high risk:
• Men over 50 years old
• Men over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer
• Men over 40 with PSA > 1 μg/L
• Men over 40 carrying BRCA2 mutations
Everyday Habits That Can Help Fathers Stay Away from Cancer
We often remind fathers with beer bellies to eat less, urge those who smoke to quit, and encourage those who sit in offices all day to take a walk. Indeed, healthy lifestyle habits are vital—not only for maintaining physical and mental well-being, but also for preventing cancer.
Eat a Light, Balanced Diet — and Say No to Smoking and Alcohol!
The well-known “Four Less” rule—less oil, less salt, less sugar, and less spice—doesn’t mean you have to live on plain porridge! The key is a balanced and varied diet that provides sufficient nutrients and trace elements while reducing unnecessary strain on the body. Many fathers drink alcohol for work-related social occasions, while others enjoy a drink in their free time. However, it’s important to note that 3.5% of cancers are linked to alcohol consumption, and the cancer risk associated with drinking continues to rise.[4] Even a single drink or cigarette is harmful. For your own health, it’s time to take action—quit smoking and drinking.
Keep Sexual Life Safe and Hygienic
Modern medical research suggests that moderate, healthy sexual activity may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Conversely, prolonged retention of semen without release can lead to concentration and saturation, which may irritate prostate epithelial cells and increase cancer risk.[5] However, patients already diagnosed with prostate cancer should avoid sexual activity, as it may cause painful ejaculation, blood in semen or urine, and other complications. After treatment, sexual dysfunction or urinary incontinence may occur, affecting the quality of sexual life.
Regular Health Checkups Matter
Why do people fear cancer so much? One key reason is that most cancers show no obvious symptoms in the early stages, and by the time patients seek medical attention, the disease is often already advanced—missing the optimal window for treatment. Many fathers avoid checkups because they feel fine and would rather not “look for trouble.” They worry that finding something wrong will bring stress or inconvenience. However, both Chinese and international medical experts now agree that early cancer screening is one of the most effective ways to achieve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Detecting a disease while it is still in its early, manageable stage can not only extend life expectancy but also improve long-term quality of life.
In the book Illness as Metaphor, Susan Sontag wrote: “To treat cancer not just as a disease but as a demonic enemy fosters the idea that it is not only incurable, but also shameful.” Fathers often hide their true selves behind a quiet and reserved exterior. The pressures of life and family responsibilities lead many to ignore or avoid facing their own health issues—sometimes missing the chance for early treatment. At Jiahui International, we remain committed to walking alongside our patients as advocates of compassionate care. On this Father’s Day, we wish all fathers happiness and good health. We also encourage every dad to learn more about cancer prevention, undergo regular targeted screenings, maintain healthy habits, and stay attentive to changes in their bodies—because prevention is the best protection.
References:
[1] Cancer Incidence and Mortality in China, 2016
[2] Global Cancer Report 2018, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
[3] NCCN Guidelines 2019, Version 1 — Prostate Cancer Early Detection, MS-12
[4] Erdao. Alcohol and Cancer: More Dangerous Than You Think. Family Science, 2016(6):1.
[5] Rider JR, Wilson KM, Sinnott JA, Kelly RS, Mucci LA, Giovannucci EL. Ejaculation Frequency and Risk of Prostate Cancer: Updated Results with an Additional Decade of Follow-up. Eur Urol. 2016 Dec;70(6):974–982. doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2016.03.027
