Men's Health

While the life-expectancy gap between men and women has decreased, it's no secret that men still need to pay more attention to their bodies. Several things work against men. They tend to smoke and drink more than women. They don't seek medical help as often as women. Some men define themselves by their work, which can add to stress.

There are also health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. Many of the major health risks that men face – like colon cancer or heart disease - can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Screening tests can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat. It's important to have regular checkups and screenings.

For more information on men’s health, visit these sites:

Osteoporosis in Men (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)

PROSTATE CANCER:

The prostate is the gland below a man's bladder that produces fluid for semen. Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages. It is rare in men younger than 40.

Levels of a substance called prostate specific antigen (PSA) is often high in men with prostate cancer. However, PSA can also be high with other prostate conditions. Since the PSA test became common, most prostate cancers are found before they cause symptoms. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include

-Problems passing urine, such as pain, difficulty starting or stopping the stream, or dribbling

-Low back pain

-Pain with ejaculation

Prostate cancer treatment often depends on the stage of the cancer. How fast the cancer grows and how different it is from surrounding tissue helps determine the stage. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or control of hormones that affect the cancer.

Detailed Guide: Prostate Cancer (American Cancer Society)

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer.html

For more information on prostate cancer, visit MedlinePlus at:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/prostatecancer.html