Thursday, December 6, 2012

Men more prone to cancer: Vic study

VICTORIAN men are more likely to suffer cancers linked to smoking and drinking such as lung and liver cancer than women, according a new study. 
 
Not only were more men diagnosed with any cancer in 2011, but they were also more likely to lose their battle with cancer than women, the Cancer Council Victoria study shows.

The study, released on Friday, is a reminder for men to cut their cancer risk, with the difference put down to the historical prevalence of cancer risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption among men, said Cancer Council chief Todd Harper.

"Some research also suggests that men tend to present when their cancer is at a later stage, which may be a factor in differing survival rates," Mr Harper said in a statement.

The study revealed just over half of the 28,405 Victorians diagnosed with cancer last year were men.

Men were also over-represented in the number of cancer deaths, with 5921 Victorian men losing their battle with cancer compared with 4,710 women.

The study found more men were likely to be diagnosed with cancers associated with smoking and alcohol such as lung, bladder and stomach cancer, oral cavity cancers, and cancers of the oesophagus, larynx and liver.

Mr Harper urged Victorian men to be aware of any bodily changes and get regular checks and screenings.