Why Cancer Screening is Critical for Men’s Health: Prevention and Early Detection

For many men, health screenings often take a back seat, with priorities focused on work, family, or personal achievements. However, this perception of invincibility can have dire consequences. Studies reveal that many men are less likely to seek regular health check-ups or screenings, due to a lack of awareness, viewing health screenings as unnecessary unless symptoms arise, and in some cases due to societal notions of masculinity ^{[1, 2, 3]}. This reluctance towards preventive health measures is reflected in Malaysia’s cancer statistics. For instance, the top 3 most common cancers among men are more often than not detected at advanced stages, with 74% of colorectal cancer cases being diagnosed at Stage 3 and Stage 4, as well as 80% of lung cancer cases and 52% of prostate cancer cases being diagnosed at Stage 4 ^[4]. 

In Malaysia, 1 in 8 men have a lifetime risk of being diagnosed with cancer ^[4]. These cancers, specifically colorectal cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer often develop silently, with minimal or no symptoms in the early stages. For instance, early stages of prostate cancer often show no obvious symptoms, while colorectal cancer symptoms like blood in stool or digestive issues may be dismissed as minor concerns. This makes regular cancer screenings critical for early detection and effective treatment, significantly improving survival rates and quality of life and allowing men to take charge of their health before it’s too late ^{[5, 6]}.

Cancer Awareness for Men with Dr Kugan

To provide a deeper understanding of the need for early screening, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr Kugan Ramachandran, a general practitioner at Qualitas Health Reddy Clinic. In this interview, Dr Kugan highlights the prevalence of cancer among men, the challenges of late-stage diagnoses, and how early detection through minimally invasive genomic screenings can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

The Role of Genomic Screening in Cancer Detection

Genomic testing is a breakthrough in cancer detection, using advanced technology to analyse a person’s DNA for cancer markers. This allows for the identification of genetic predispositions and early detection of active cancer cells, even before symptoms manifest ^{[7, 6]}. Research shows that up to 10% of all cancers may be caused by inherited genetic changes, making genomic cancer screening a crucial tool in pinpointing individuals at higher risk ^[8]. 

At Qualitas Health clinics, genomic screenings are available for a wide range of cancers, including lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and more. This minimally invasive test involves a simple blood sample analysed to provide men with an in-depth understanding of their cancer risks. Armed with this knowledge, men can make informed decisions about their health and work with their doctors on tailored prevention and treatment strategies.

Who Should Consider Genomic Screening for Cancer?

Genomic cancer screenings are especially beneficial for men aged 40 and above, those with a family history of cancer, or individuals with lifestyle risks such as smoking, poor diet, or a sedentary lifestyle ^{[7, 6]}. It is also highly recommended for men experiencing potential warning signs of cancer, such as ^[9]:

• Changes in frequency of urination
• Pelvic discomfort
• Persistent digestive issues
• Blood in stool
• More than 20 polyps in the colon
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic cough
• Unexplained fatigue

Take Charge of Your Health

Genomic screening for cancer is not just a routine check-up—it’s a lifesaving tool that can make all the difference, from potentially less invasive treatments and better long-term outcomes to empowering men to make informed decisions about lifestyle changes that can prevent cancer altogether ^[10].

Don’t let hesitation or misconceptions stand in the way of your health. Visit your nearest Qualitas Health clinic to learn more about your options and make cancer prevention a priority.

Your health is worth it. Take action today.

References

[1] Abdullah, N. N., Arsat, M. H. M., Aziz, N. R. A., & Al-Kubaisy, W. (2022). Men Health Seeking Behaviour: A literature review. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal.
https://ebpj.e-iph.co.uk/index.php/EBProceedings/article/view/3484/1923

[2] Ng, C., Teo, C., Ang, K., Kok, Y., Ashraf, K., Leong, H., Taher, S., Mohd, S. Z., Zakaria, Z., Wong, P., Hor, C., Ong, T., Hussain, H., Paranthaman V, Ng, C., K Agamutu, & Razak, M. A. (2020). Barriers to implementing a national health screening program for men in Malaysia: An online survey of healthcare providers. Malaysian Family Physician : The Official Journal of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia, 15(1), 6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7136681/

[3] Teo, C. H., Ng, C. J., & White, A. (2017). Factors influencing young men’s decision to undergo health screening in Malaysia: a qualitative study. BMJ Open, 7(3), e014364. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014364

[4] Summary of the Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021. (2021). Institut Kanser Negara. https://nci.moh.gov.my/images/pdf_folder/SUMMARY-OF-MALAYSIA-NATIONAL-CANCER-REGISTRY-REPORT-2017-2021.pdf

[5] Buchanan, A. H., Lester Kirchner, H., Schwartz, M. L. B., Kelly, M. A., Schmidlen, T., Jones, L. K., Hallquist, M. L. G., Rocha, H., Betts, M., Schwiter, R., Butry, L., Lazzeri, A. L., Frisbie, L. R., Rahm, A. K., Hao, J., Willard, H. F., Martin, C. L., Ledbetter, D. H., Williams, M. S., & Sturm, A. C. (2020). Clinical outcomes of a genomic screening program for actionable genetic conditions. Genetics in Medicine: Official Journal of the American College of Medical Genetics, 22(11), 1874–1882. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41436-020-0876-4

[6] Advantages & Disadvantages of Genetic Testing. (n.d.). Virginia Oncology Associates. https://www.virginiacancer.com/genetic-testing/advantages-disadvantages-of-genetic-testing/

[7] Understanding Genetic Testing for Cancer. (2023, October 24). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/genetics/genetic-testing-for-cancer-risk/understanding-genetic-testing-for-cancer.html

[8] The Genetics of Cancer. (2022). National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics

[9] Signs and symptoms – Cancer. (2019). NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/symptoms

[10] Genetics and Cancer Risk: Real-World Benefits of Genetic Testing. (2024, February 15). Weill Cornell Medicine. https://weillcornell.org/news/genetics-and-cancer-risk-real-world-benefits-of-genetic-testing