Many men delay seeing a doctor or avoid important cancer screenings because of myths or misinformation. We asked James Yoo, MD, a colorectal surgeon, and Matthew Mossanen, MD, MPH, a urologic surgeon at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, to share their insight on some of the most common myths that can discourage men from seeking care or reliable information.
Feeling okay doesn’t necessarily mean that everything is fine. Many serious conditions, including cancer, may not cause symptoms at first. Regular checkups can help catch health problems early, when they’re easier to treat.
“Preventative care visits are important to identify potential problems before they become more serious,” said Dr. Yoo. “If you have symptoms that aren’t going away, it’s really important not to ignore them. But even if you’re feeling well, it’s important to check in once a year.”
Dr. Mossanen agreed: “Visiting the doctor for routine health maintenance is an effective way to help prevent problems and take care of your general health.”
It’s common to hear stories like this, but individual examples don’t tell the whole story. Just because one person lived a long life with risky habits doesn’t mean those habits are safe. Smoking and heavy drinking are proven to increase the risk of many cancers, as well as other serious health problems over time.
“Smoking is associated with many cancers,” said Dr. Mossanen. “Quitting can improve overall health and cancer outcomes—even if someone already has cancer.”
Dr. Mossanen also explained that excessive alcohol use can be harmful, even if the effects aren’t seen right away: “Alcohol consumption, when excessive, can be linked to a number of health problems, including liver issues. Being aware of those risks helps people avoid negative health consequences that can occur over time.”
Living a healthy lifestyle is important and can reduce your risk of many diseases, including cancer. But no lifestyle can completely eliminate the risk. Even people who eat well, exercise, and avoid harmful habits can still develop cancer.
“Certain lifestyle choices can increase or decrease your risk of developing cancer,” said Dr. Yoo. “Eating a healthy diet and staying active are definitely good for you, but no one single thing can fully prevent cancer.”
Dr. Mossanen agreed, adding that while healthy habits are helpful, they don’t replace medical care. “Living a healthy lifestyle can help patients have better outcomes if they’re receiving cancer treatment—or just be healthier in general,” he said.
Healthy habits matter, but they work best when combined with regular medical care and early detection.
Many people believe that cancer only affects men at certain ages—either much older or much younger—but that’s not the full picture. For example, testicular cancer is most common in younger men, but it can occur at any age. And while colorectal cancer has often been seen as a disease of older adults, it is now being diagnosed more often in younger patients. Men of all ages should take symptoms seriously and talk to their doctor if something doesn’t seem right.
“Cancer tends to occur more often in older adults,” said Dr. Yoo. “However, we’ve seen a rising number of colorectal cancer cases in patients under 50 over the last few decades.”
“Many urologic cancers can occur in both younger and older patients,” said Dr. Mossanen. “Some cancers are more common in older patients but that doesn't mean that it cannot occur in younger age groups.”.
A family history of cancer can raise your risk, but most people who get cancer don’t have one. You can still be at risk even without a known genetic link.
“About 70% of people who get colorectal cancer have no prior family history or genetic predisposition,” said Dr. Yoo. “That’s why it’s important to get screened and not to ignore any symptoms.”
Cancer is being diagnosed more often today for several reasons: we’re living longer, lifestyle and environmental factors have changed, and increased awareness along with improved screening help catch cancers that might have gone undetected in the past. People are also more open to talking about cancer, which helps reduce stigma and encourages more timely care.
“In the case of colorectal cancer, we screen for it now, but that wasn’t always the case,” said Dr. Yoo. “Colorectal cancer incidence has decreased over the last few decades, likely due to better screening and awareness. But not for all age groups - as previously mentioned, the incidence of colorectal cancer has increased in younger adults.”
The good news is that greater awareness and better screening tools and guidelines mean doctors are finding more cancers—often earlier, when treatment has the best chance of working.
A high PSA number doesn’t always mean cancer. Other things—like infections, a large prostate, or even recent sexual activity—can raise it.
“It’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before making any judgments,” said Dr. Mossanen. “A doctor can help figure out what’s causing the change and decide what steps to take next.”
Some prostate cancers grow slowly, but others can progress more quickly. Low-risk prostate cancer is generally slow-growing, stays within the prostate, and is unlikely to spread. It is usually identified by a low PSA level, a low Gleason score (6 or less), and a tumor that is small or not easily felt. Many men with this type of cancer can be safely monitored through active surveillance, meaning their cancer is closely watched without immediate treatment.
“There are different types of prostate cancer,” said Dr. Mossanen. “While some can be safely monitored, others may require treatment. If treatment is recommended, a multidisciplinary evaluation with medical, radiation, and surgical oncology is the best way to decide the right approach.”
The key is knowing what kind of prostate cancer you have and making a plan with your care team. Delaying care without proper monitoring could allow the cancer to grow or become harder to treat later.
Still wondering whether you should delay care? See how early action shaped this prostate cancer survivor’s story, and why it matters for you.
Myths can keep men from getting the care they need. But facts, and early action, can save lives. Don’t wait until something feels wrong. Build a relationship with your doctor, get regular checkups, and ask about screenings that are right for your age and health history.
“Preventative care helps protect your health long-term,” added Dr. Mossanen. “It’s one of the most powerful steps you can take.”
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