Men’s Health Month and Cancer Awareness

June 3, 2024

June is Men’s Health Awareness Month, and the NYCDCCBF would like to encourage our male members to be proactive about their mental and physical well-being. For many men, certain health issues carry a stigma, leading to a lack of proper care and later diagnoses. This may lead to a lower quality of life, as well as a shorter life expectancy.

Along with our partners at Memorial Sloan Kettering, the NYCDCCBF is offering some basic information on common cancers. We encourage you to learn more about your family’s cancer history and your risk factors for various cancer types. With regular monitoring, screening, and healthy life-choices, you and your loved ones can lower your risk of potentially deadly cancers.

Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a gland found between your bladder and rectum, and helps make semen. Prostate cancer often develops without symptoms, but symptoms may include needing to urinate often and being unable to start or stop urinating. One of the best ways to screen for prostate cancer is a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test. Memorial Sloan Kettering recommends those at average risk for prostate cancer have a PSA blood test at around age 45.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer often develops in specialized cells called germ cells. It is the most common cancer among males ages 15-35. The most common indicators of testicular cancer are pain, swelling, or a lump or hardness in the testicle(s). You can monitor for these symptoms, and if you notice any changes, consult a doctor for a more thorough examination.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancers often start as a polyp (or growth) on the lining of the colon or rectum. 9 out of 10 people survive colon cancer when it is found and treated early. A colonoscopy is a common and effective test for colon cancer. Memorial Sloan Kettering recommends those with no family history and average risk get a colonoscopy at age 45. Those with family history of colon cancer and other risk factors should talk to their doctor about earlier screening.

Lung Cancer

While lung cancer is not unique to men, it is the leading cause of cancer deaths among American men (and women). 8 out of 10 people who develop lung cancer get it from smoking, and quitting smoking is one of the most important health-decisions you can make. MSK recommends those between the ages of 50-80 receive lung cancer screening.

About MSK Direct

The NYCDCC Welfare Fund partners with Memorial Sloan Kettering to offer MSK Direct, a program that gives you guided access to expert cancer care. They provide resources and support throughout your care experience. To learn more about screenings, as well as other cancer care related topics, visit the MSK Direct website for the NYCDCC Welfare Fund at www.mskcc.org/nycdcc. If you or a loved one are impacted by cancer and would like to discuss treatment options available at MSK, please call the dedicated MSK Direct phone line for the NYCDCC Welfare Fund at (833) 786-3368.

For more information about cancer screenings, you can read an informative pamphlet from MSK here: https://nyccbf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screening-Brochure_digital-MSK.pdf