Insight

Common cancers in men and reducing your risk | Men's Health Awareness : Nov 2024

Published

18 November 2024

Read time

5 minutes

Colorectal cancer, followed by prostate cancer are the two most common cancers in men in the United Arab Emirates and surrounding region, including Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.  Let’s understand more about the risk factors, symptoms, screening recommendations and how you can reduce your risk through dietary and lifestyle measures for both conditions.

Colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that affects the large intestine or rectum.  Although it is usually more common with advancing age, the past few years have seen a rise in incidence in younger individuals, under the age of 50 years, both globally and in the Middle East. 

Didyouknow
The average age of diagnosis of colorectal cancer is 10 years younger in the Middle East compared to the United States.
Didyouknow

Why are we seeing a marked increase in colorectal cancer?

Rapid urbanisation with socioeconomic development in the Middle East has meant adoption of a more Westernised diet, with increased intake of red and processed meats, a sedentary lifestyle, excess body weight, increased alcohol consumption and smoking, all of which increase the risk of colorectal cancer. 

Symptoms and signs of colorectal cancer can include:

  • Change in bowel habit (looser stools or constipation)
  • Blood in the stools
  • Persistent or recurrent abdominal pain or bloating
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • The finding of an abdominal or rectal mass by your doctor on examination
  • Unexplained iron deficiency anaemia found on a blood test
However, in the early stages there may be no symptoms which is why it is important to participate in colorectal cancer screening.

Colorectal cancer screening

Screening in the United Arab Emirates is advised for all individuals aged 40 years and above, with more frequent testing in those with higher risk (such as a family history of cancer).  The tests include either 5-10 yearly colonoscopies (camera test to visualise your large bowel) or a yearly stool test called faecal immunochemical test (FIT).

It is crucial to emphasize the earlier colorectal cancer is detected, the better the outcomes from treatment. 

What else can I do to reduce my risk of colorectal cancer?

There is strong evidence to support dietary and lifestyle modifications to decrease the risk of colorectal cancer. These include:

  • Consuming a diet rich in fibre, including fruits, vegetable and wholegrains
  • Avoiding red and processed meats* and ultra processed foods
  • Limiting alcohol
  • Smoking cessation
  • Staying physically active
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
 
Didyouknow
The World Health Organisation classify processed meats as a class 1 carcinogen (which means they are known to cause cancer) and red meat as a class 2a carcinogen (which means they probably cause cancer).
Didyouknow

Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small gland, located at the base of the bladder in men and surrounds part of the urethra (the tube that transports urine from the bladder through the penis).  It produces fluid which mixes with semen to keep sperm healthy.  

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?

  • Increasing age, usually after the age of 50 years.
  • Family history of prostate cancer in first degree male relatives.
  • Race and ethnicity: men with black African or black Caribbean origin have a higher risk.
  • Close relatives with a history of breast or ovarian cancer secondary to BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, increases prostate cancer risk in men.  These usually account for only a small percentage of prostate cancers overall.
  • Smoking increases the risk of dying from prostate cancer and increases the chance of cancer spread and recurrence.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

In the early stages, there may be no signs or symptoms of prostate cancer.  As the cancer advances, it may cause symptoms such as:

  • Difficulty initiating a stream when urinating
  • Increased frequency of urination
  • Decreased urinary flow and force
  • Blood in the urine
  • Blood in the semen
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Persistent bone pain
Some of the symptoms listed may be caused by other conditions such as benign enlargement of the prostate (which occurs with increasing age).  However, it is important to seek advice from your doctor for further evaluation to determine the cause and course of management.

Is there a screening test for prostate cancer?

The PSA test is a blood test that measures the levels of a protein called prostate specific antigen.  Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer; however, this will require further investigations as there are other causes of a raised PSA test.  

Although there is no formal screening programme for prostate cancer detection, international guidelines have recommended detection to be considered for individuals with risk factors.  This includes men above the age of 50 years; men with stronger risk factors such as family history of prostate cancer in male relatives or breast or ovarian cancer in female relatives, and those of African descent may initiate screening at a younger age, from 40 or 45 years, depending on the risks. 

It is recommended to talk to your doctor about the benefits, risks and limitations of prostate cancer screening, taking into account your individual background.

What can I do to reduce my risk of prostate cancer?

Lifestyle factors that can reduce the risk of prostate cancer include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Staying physically active
  • Smoking cessation
  • Consuming a diet:
    • Rich in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and legumes
    • Low in saturated fats including red and processed meat
    • Low in dairy*
Didyouknow
*Several studies have shown a link between the amount of dairy in the diet and the risk of prostate cancer. In fact, one study showed a 60% increased risk of prostate cancer in participants consuming the most dairy compared to those consuming none. It may be worth considering swapping out dairy milk with soya milk, which has shown to be associated with a reduced risk in developing prostate cancer.
Didyouknow

Disclaimer:
The content in this article is for general informational purpose and is not meant to replace or substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns about your health.

References :

  1. Global Cancer Observatory (who.int)
  2. Ali Shamseddine et al. Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Middle East: What, Why, Who, When, and How?. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 43, e390520(2023).
  3. Colorectal cancer (who.int)
  4. EAU Guidelines - Uroweb
  5. Aune D et al.  Dairy products, calcium, and prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;101(1):87-117
  6. Orlich MJ et al. Dairy foods, calcium intakes, and risk of incident prostate cancer in Adventist Health Study-2. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022;116(2):314-324.
  7. Jacobsen BK et al. Does high soy milk intake reduce prostate cancer incidence? The Adventist Health Study (United States). Cancer Causes Control. 1998;9(6):553-557.