MEN, IT'S TIME TO TALK – PREVENT THE THREE LEADING CANCERS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysian men face a rising cancer burden, with lifestyle habits identified as the key contributor to the increasing risks of colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers, according to health specialists at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV).

While genetics play a role, SMCV consultant clinical oncologist Dr Hafizah Zaharah Ahmad said lifestyle choices remain the strongest driver, noting that only about five to ten per cent of cancers are hereditary.

"That means for the majority, our daily habits such as what we eat, how active we are, and our commitment to screenings make the biggest difference," she said in a statement.

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According to the Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021, the lifetime risk of Malaysian men developing cancer has increased from one in ten to one in eight, with colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers leading the list.

The pace of modern living often drives habits that quietly undermine long-term health. Extended hours of sitting, reliance on processed foods, and limited physical activity have contributed to obesity, which in turn promotes chronic inflammation and increases insulin levels in the body.

Dr Hafizah said these changes can damage cells, disrupt hormone balance, and create conditions that encourage tumour growth, adding that diets high in processed foods and saturated fats further elevate cancer risk, compounding the effects of physical inactivity.

“Despite this, many of these silent health patterns continue unchecked, as men often dismiss early symptoms or assume they will resolve on their own,” she said.

Meanwhile, consultant urologist at SMCV Dr Goh Cheng Hood noted that reluctance to act early is often rooted in social stigma rather than a lack of awareness, as many men associate medical consultations with weakness or embarrassment, especially when it involves sensitive topics such as urinary or reproductive health.

"Some men feel that seeking help makes them appear less capable or ‘not manly’, so they ignore symptoms until they become too disruptive to manage.

"By the time we see them, the disease is often already advanced, which limits treatment options and reduces the likelihood of a full recovery. Therefore, do not feel shy to come forward and get medical attention, because early detection and treatment can definitely save your life," he said.

The long-term impact of this delay can be seen in the three cancers most common among Malaysian men: colorectal, lung, and prostate. Colorectal cancer can start as a small growth called polyps in the lining of the colon, and over the course of 5-10 years, some polyps can turn cancerous.

Furthermore, Dr Hafizah shared that diets lacking fibre, frequent intake of red and processed meats, and limited physical activity increase the risk, but prevention is possible through regular screenings and healthier eating.

She explained that a colonoscopy can detect cancer at an early stage, significantly improving the outcome, and while early screening is vital, prevention begins with dietary and lifestyle choices.

"A systematic review based on the Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) on colorectal cancer showed that increased intake of 100 grams per day of red meat and 25 grams per day of processed meat were risk factors. Hence, reducing or not consuming red meat can lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer," she said, adding that smoking further contributes to a 16 per cent greater risk of developing the cancer compared to non-smokers.

The same habits that harm digestive health also affect the lungs. Smoking, in particular, exposes the body to thousands of carcinogenic chemicals that damage DNA and trigger chronic inflammation. Over time, these changes increase the likelihood of lung cancer, which remains one of the deadliest cancers among men.

“Many patients tend to dismiss early symptoms such as cough or fatigue until the disease has reached an advanced stage, with 95.4 per cent of lung cancer cases diagnosed late, according to the Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021,” said Dr Hafizah.

When it comes to prostate cancer, awareness remains low, and many cases are only detected after symptoms appear. It often develops slowly and may mimic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate enlargement symptoms such as difficulty passing urine, weak stream, or frequent urination, leading men to overlook the early warning signs, assuming it’s not serious.

Dr Goh explained that prostate cancer is more commonly diagnosed in men aged over 58, and those taking testosterone supplements face a higher risk.

“In the early stages, most patients remain asymptomatic and typically present only once the cancer has spread, and they will complain of bone pain or neurological symptoms when they come to the hospital," he said.

He recommends annual Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing from age 50, or from age 40 for high-risk individuals, including those on testosterone supplements, those with a family history, or those carrying the BRCA2 gene.

"Screening with the PSA blood test helps us identify risk long before symptoms occur, allowing us to monitor gradual changes in PSA levels and decide if further imaging, such as Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests, are needed.

He emphasises that while screening plays a vital role, early diagnosis and timely treatment remain the key to improving survival and quality of life, extending life expectancy by up to 15 years in about 95 per cent of early-detected cases.

Although cancer risk rises with age, many of its causes remain within one’s control. Both experts emphasised that prevention must begin with small, sustainable habits such as maintaining a balanced diet with more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while cutting down on processed and red meats can reduce inflammation and support healthy body function.

Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake also help the body repair DNA damage more efficiently. “Healthy choices made consistently over time protect the body against cancer development,” says Dr Hafizah while emphasising that exercising can reduce inflammation that may help prevent cancer.

“Even simple actions such as staying hydrated, sleeping well, exercising, and managing stress can make a difference to overall health.”

Dr Goh added that awareness must go hand in hand with regular screening. He encouraged men to undergo annual health screenings that include blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, body mass index (BMI), and cancer marker tests, alongside cancer screenings such as colonoscopy every 10 years from age 45, and low-dose CT scans for long-term smokers to detect abnormalities before symptoms appear.

“Men should not wait for pain or discomfort before taking action,” said Dr Goh, adding that early detection makes treatment simpler, recovery faster, and outcomes far better.

-- BERNAMA

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