Kuala lumpur: Malaysian men are facing an escalating cancer burden, largely driven by lifestyle habits, with colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers being the most prevalent, as reported by health specialists at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, while genetic factors do play a role, SMCV consultant clinical oncologist Dr Hafizah Zaharah Ahmad emphasized that lifestyle choices are the primary contributors to cancer risks. She pointed out that hereditary factors account for a mere five to ten percent of cancers, suggesting that daily habits such as diet, physical activity, and screening practices significantly influence cancer development.
The Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021 indicates that the lifetime risk of Malaysian men developing cancer has increased from one in ten to one in eight, with colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers topping the list. The fast-paced nature of modern life often fosters habits detrimental to long-term health, such as extended periods of inactivity, reliance on processed foods, and inadequate exercise, contributing to obesity and other health issues.
Dr Hafizah explained that these lifestyle choices can disrupt hormone balance and lead to conditions conducive to tumor growth. She noted that diets high in processed foods and saturated fats further elevate cancer risk, exacerbating the effects of physical inactivity.
Despite these risks, many men continue to ignore early symptoms, often due to social stigma rather than a lack of awareness. Consultant urologist at SMCV, Dr Goh Cheng Hood, highlighted that many men associate seeking medical help with weakness, particularly when dealing with sensitive health issues, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
The impact of such delays is evident in the prevalence of the three most common cancers among Malaysian men. Colorectal cancer, for example, can develop from small polyps in the colon, which may become cancerous over several years. Dr Hafizah emphasized the importance of regular screenings and healthier eating to mitigate these risks.
She also noted the increased risk associated with diets lacking fiber and high in red and processed meats, advocating for regular colonoscopies as a preventive measure. Smoking, a major risk factor for lung cancer, compounds these dietary risks, exposing the body to carcinogens that damage DNA and trigger chronic inflammation.
Lung cancer’s deadly nature is exacerbated by late diagnosis, with 95.4 percent of cases identified at advanced stages, as per the Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report. Early symptoms like cough or fatigue are often dismissed, delaying crucial medical intervention.
Prostate cancer awareness remains low, with many cases detected only after symptoms present. Dr Goh explained that prostate cancer often mimics benign conditions, leading men to overlook early signs. He recommended annual Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing from age 50, or from age 40 for high-risk individuals, to enable early detection and intervention.
Both experts stressed the importance of preventive measures, advocating for balanced diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, reduced consumption of processed and red meats, and avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol intake. Regular exercise, hydration, and stress management were also highlighted as essential components of a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Goh underscored the necessity of regular health screenings, including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, body mass index (BMI), and cancer marker tests, along with cancer-specific screenings like colonoscopies and low-dose CT scans for smokers.
In conclusion, both experts urged men not to wait for symptoms before taking action, emphasizing that early detection and timely treatment are crucial for improving survival rates and quality of life.