THE alarming number of breast cancer  motivated many women’s rights groups and advocates to be aware about their health condition. This time men are encouraged to take heed of cancer types that commonly affect them.

The most common cancer types among men are lung, liver, colon, and prostate cancers. Most medical experts agree that the high mortality rate from these types and other cancers are due to late diagnosis.

Statistics from the Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates show that 6,987 in every 100,000 men have succumbed to lung cancer, while liver cancer accounts for 5,102 deaths in every 100,000.

Colorectal cancer also claimed 1,690 for every 100,000 of the population, and prostate cancer had a 1,410 mortality rate.

While the statistics for lung cancer is scary, the disease is preventable. There are lifestyle choices an individual can make that can help him remain cancer-free.

Liver cancer is the second most common cancer type among men which is associated with chronic infection with hepatitis B and C, heavy alcohol use and cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), diabetes, obesity and exposure to aflatoxins and vinyl chloride. Cirrhosis usually preceded the development of liver cancer. Late diagnosis may result in poor prognosis.

Another common cancer among men is colorectal cancer with approximately 52 percent deaths because of late diagnosis. Early screening is necessary to detect the presence of polyps in the colon that may signal the onset of this cancer. Preventive measures include avoiding high-fat diets, and regular screenings, among those with a family history of colorectal cancer.

Prostate cancer is a slow-developing disease. “If detected early, and while the tumor is still localized, the 5-year survival rate for men diagnosed with prostate cancer is up to 99 percent. However, once the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, bones, and other organs, prognosis will be bleak,” said Jose S. Garcia, Jr., president of the Philippine Society of Oncology.

The C-Network shares guidelines to help men prevent, or get early diagnosis, for common cancers at a curable stage:

* All adults who are at normal risk should have a cancer-related check-up every three years between the ages of 20 and  39.

* Starting at age 50, the following tests may be recommended by your doctor, based on discussion of your risk factors:

* Annual Fecal Occult Blood Test or Fecal Immunochemical Test.

* Flexible Sigmoidoscopy.

* Colonoscopy every 10 years.

* Double contrast barium enema exam every five years

* CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years.

For more information on cancer prevention, visit www.cnetwork.org.ph.