As men are often reluctant to discuss their health issues, Men's Health Week is a perfect opportunity to enhance awareness about the early signs and symptoms of common health issues, such as colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and cardiovascular diseases.

Recent data released for Saudi Arabia highlights the prevalence of prostate cancer and cardiovascular diseases among men and the rising incidence rates of colorectal cancer. It is crucial to detect these health issues early to improve outcomes. For example, BGI Genomics offers screening services that can identify DNA methylation for SDC2, ADHFE1, and PPP2R5C genes associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). This is crucial as only about four out of ten CRC cases are found at this early stage.

CRC is the most diagnosed cancer among males, with up to two-thirds diagnosed at an advanced stage, according to the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre. BGI Genomics 2023 State of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Report shows Saudi Arabia has a high percentage of respondents (62.7%) who never took CRC tests, far higher than the global average of 54.1%. This shows the Kingdom's Early Cancer Detection Program still needs to build greater awareness among the public.

Data from a recent study shows prostate cancer rates in Saudi Arabia have risen from 2008-2017. The mean age at diagnosis was 71.1 years, with the most common subtype being Acinar Adenocarcinoma (93.5%). This study shows that the risk of prostate cancer increases as people age in the Kingdom. The Saudi Oncology Society is also enhancing awareness of precision medicine for prostate cancer treatment with Dr. Abdullah Alsharm presenting on personalized therapy options last month.

Source: Saudi Oncology Society Twitter account

BPH is a common condition that affects men over 50 years of age. In a recent study, the prevalence of BPH in five Middle Eastern countries - Egypt, Turkey, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates - ranges from 13.84% to 23.79% of subjects. Early detection of BPH can help prevent complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and kidney damage.

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death among men worldwide. Recent data released for Saudi Arabia highlights the most common cardiovascular diseases were coronary artery disease (18%), hypertension (16%), stroke (14%), peripheral artery disease (11%), and congenital heart disease (10%). Early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases can help prevent complications such as heart attacks and strokes.

Takeaways

Early detection is the best possible way to treat most health issues in men, including cancers. Therefore, it is essential to undertake regular screenings and monitor for symptoms. Undoubtedly, the number of health problems in men is rising, and this calls for our attention. Keep your weight in check and adopt healthy lifestyle choices to prevent your risk of developing any of these cancers.

About BGI Genomics

BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world's leading integrated solutions provider of precision medicine. Our services cover more than 100 countries and regions, involving more than 2,300 medical institutions. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676.SZ) was officially listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.