The focus for this Men’s Health Week (June 10 to 16) is ‘Men’s Heath Checks’.
Cancer Council Victoria head of prevention Adjunct Associate Professor Craig Sinclair is urging Shepparton men to chat to their mates about getting health checks.
This comes after Victorian Cancer Registry data showed cancer diagnoses for Victorian men were projected to increase by 48 per cent over the next 15 years.
In 2022, 237 Shepparton men were diagnosed with cancer, compared to 195 women.
“Our data shows that men are more likely to develop cancer than women, more men smoke and vape than women, and they are also less likely to speak to the doctor if they notice symptoms,” Mr Sinclair said.
“There are simple steps men can take to reduce cancer risk: keep up to date with bowel screening, if you notice any unusual changes to your body speak to a GP, reduce alcohol intake, increase physical activity, and take steps to quit smoking or vaping by contacting Quitline on 13 78 48.”
The most common cancers Victorian men are diagnosed with are prostate (29.4 per cent), bowel (9.2 per cent), lung (nine per cent), melanoma (8.6 per cent), and head and neck (4.6 per cent).
“Having conversations with your mates about the importance of cancer screening or speaking to a health professional can save your life,” Mr Sinclair said.
For more information about cancer screening and prevention, visit cancervic.org.au
If you need cancer information or support, call the Cancer Council support line on 13 11 20.
• Alice O’Brien is a Media Communication and Design student at Monash University, and is currently completing an internship with The News.
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