National Men’s Health Week occurs in June each year. This is a great time for male seniors to learn about diseases and health conditions that may affect them. Here are a few medical concerns to learn about:
Prostate cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second leading cancer in U.S. men. Around 161,360 males will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017. Nearly 26,730 men will die of the disease. Of those diagnosed with prostate cancer, about six in 10 are men who are age 65 or older. The Mayo Clinic noted that some prostate cancers do not grow quickly and require little treatment. Others are more aggressive and can grow beyond the prostate, causing more life-threatening symptoms. Cancer that occurs in the prostate gland and is found in the early growth stages is easier to treat.
Some men who have the disease never need treatment, but more severe varieties require radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or surgery to remove the affected prostate. Men who are overweight, older, black, or have a family history of prostate or breast cancer are all at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Most men over age 50 receive regular prostate screenings during physical exams to check for abnormalities.
Stomach problems
Many men experience stomach trouble at some point in their lives. Acid reflux, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain are just a few common symptoms of a myriad of diseases. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are two examples of what might lead to some uncomfortable or even painful stomach troubles that older men experience. Having a yearly check up with your family practitioner is a great way to check in about your overall health. If, however, you have stomach problems that are interfering with your daily life, ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist. These professionals can talk through your symptoms and establish whether dietary and lifestyle changes may help. They can also do a full colonoscopy or other tests to find the cause of your issues.
Foot fungus
The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society shared that 75 percent of people who are age 60 and older have toenail fungus. While it may seem trivial at first, this growth can lead to serious infections if left untreated. Men are more likely than women to have foot fungus. Keeping your feet, socks and shoes clean and dry is key to preventing fungus, and trimming your toenails regularly is also important. Those with diabetes, malnutrition and vascular insufficiency have a higher likelihood of having fungus.
See your doctor if you have foot fungus. He or she will determine the best course of treatment, such as ointments, removal of the affected toenail or a prescription for oral antifungal medication. While affected, you’ll need to wear shoes in public places to ensure you aren’t spreading fungus to other people. Be sure to spend some time barefoot, like while sleeping, to allow the skin on your feet to dry out and have contact with the air.
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