Wednesday, June 9, 2004

Men in Georgia urged to become more healthy In observance of National Men’s Health Week (June 14 -20), the Georgia Cancer Coalition and the Georgia Department of Human Resources’ Division of Public Health encourage men of all ages to make a promise to themselves and their families to live healthier lives that include regular visits to their doctor or health care provider for physical exams and cancer check-ups. As part of the ongoing Georgia Cancer Awareness and Education Campaign, the Coalition and the Division of Public Health continue to educate the public about steps everyone can take to help prevent cancer and the importance of detecting cancer early when treatment can be more effective. “We see National Men’s Health Week as an opportunity to help men learn how they can lead a healthier life. By eliminating all tobacco products, eating well-balanced meals, getting plenty of physical activity and regular checkups, men can help prevent some cancers and detect cancer early when treatment is more effective,” advised Kimberly Redding, M.D., M.P.H., medical director, DHR’s Division of Public Health, Cancer Control Section. “Making healthy lifestyle choices and getting regular check-ups can protect against cancer,” said Bill Todd, president of the Coalition. “Why wouldn’t men want to live longer, healthier lives?ÊThey would be able to enjoy more quality time with their families and friends and others who depend on them and love them.” “African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer are at higher risks for developing the disease,” said Redding. “All men over 45 are urged to talk with their doctor or healthcare provider about prostate cancer, discuss their risk for the disease and decide if screening is right for them. “Furthermore, ninety percent of all colorectal cancer cases in Georgia are found in men over 50. To reduce the risk of getting colorectal cancer, men should get regular screening tests beginning at age 50,” Redding added.Ê“Screening can find precancerous growths called polyps which can be removed before they become cancerous.Ê Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective.” Highlighting the importance of early detection, colorectal cancer is more than 90 percent curable when detected early. Still, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in Georgia because many cases are discovered late when treatment is less effective.Ê The Coalition and DHR’s Division of Public Health recommend that men and women have one of the following tests to check for colorectal cancer: á A fecal occult blood test (stool blood test) every year. • A flexible sigmoidoscopy (an exam of the rectum and part of the colon using a lighted instrument) every five years. á A colonoscopy (an exam of the rectum and entire colon with a lighted instrument) every 10 years. The Coalition and the Division of Public Health invite the men of Georgia to use National Men’s Health week to focus on improving their health by making the Healthy Georgia Promise, which includes observing four recommendations: • Stop smoking. Call the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line at 1.877.270.7867 for help. Never smoke near children. • Be active. Walk, play, dance, garden, do housework, run, or join the gym Ð anything to keep active for 30 minutes a day. • Eat right. Eat five to nine fruits and vegetables a day. • Get checked. Get regular checkups for cancer, blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass and blood sugar. For more information about chronic diseases, including cancer, contact your health care provider, your local health department, call 1-800-4CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or visit www.georgiacancer.org.