MEN "TWICE AS LIKELY TO DIE FROM CANCER"

By Susannah Osborne | June 14, 2004 | Telegraph.co.uk

Men are twice as likely as women to die of some cancers, according to a report today.

It highlights significant differences in cancer rates between the sexes in the UK and claims that men are at double the risk of developing nine of the 10 most common cancers that affect men and women.

Men are also more likely to die of these "shared" cancers, which include lung, kidney and stomach cancer. Cancer Research UK says that in 2002 the average mortality rate for such cancers was nearly 50 per cent higher in men than women.

The report, by the voluntary organisation, Men's Health Forum, published at the start of Men's Health Week, shows that an average 134,000 men are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK, with 80,000 dying of the disease.

One man in three will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and a quarter of these will die of the disease.

This makes cancer the single biggest killer of men in the country, overtaking heart disease.

The report also highlights the inequalities between classes stating that men from poor social backgrounds are twice as likely to die from cancer as men in higher social classes.

Peter Baker, the director of MHF, said: "The statistics couldn't be clearer. Men are at far greater risk of developing and dying from cancer than women."

The MHF said that their analysis showed that current cancer prevention policies were not working for men.

Part of the problem may be the way men approach their bodies and their health. Men have specific attitudes and behaviours concerning smoking, alcohol and diet. They respond differently to health education messages and are more reluctant to seek help.

Mr Baker said: "Government policies for the prevention of cancer are failing men and we need to introduce male-specific approaches to tackling the disease."

MHF suggests "outreach" services in pubs, barbers' shops and sports venues with health checks and information.

MHF has also produced a cancer guide with the publishers of Haynes' car manuals which considers how a man can keep his body running like a "finely-tuned engine".

tags: mens health  gender health  cancer  

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