Your Health

At Hurley, our goal is to help you live a healthier and longer life, because taking care of your health is the most important thing you can do for yourself and those you love. 

Cancer

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States, but survival rates are improving for many types of cancer due to better cancer screening and treatment. That’s why it is so important for you to see a doctor regularly.

Cancer in African Americans

  • 44% more African Americans die from cancer each year than whites
  • By race, African Americans are more likely to develop and die from the 4 most common cancers: breast, prostate, colon and lung

Common male cancers

1. Colorectal cancer

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last several inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers.

Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps become colon cancers. Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying polyps before they become colon cancer.

FACTS:

  • You should start screening for colon and rectal cancer at age 50, or even younger if someone in your family has had it.
  • Blood in the stool is often a sign but you do not need to have any signs to have colon or rectal cancer. 
  • Colon cancer is diagnosed by barium enema, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and hemocult (testing stool for blood).

2. Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, among both men and women.

FACTS:

  • People who smoke have the greatest risk of lung cancer, and your risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time and number of cigarettes you've smoked.
  • IF YOU QUIT SMOKING, even after smoking for many years, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing lung cancer.

Hurley Medical Center can help you stop smoking. For programs to help you quit, click here.

3. Male breast cancer

Men, like women, can develop breast cancer. Just like women, men have breast tissue that can develop cancerous cells. And just like women, with early detection, breast cancer can be treatable and beatable. If you notice anything unusual about your breasts, talk to your doctor. For a men’s breast self-exam guide, click here.

FACTS:

  • Men get breast cancer at significantly lower rates than women.
  • Male breast cancer may be less common than other male cancers, but the death rate is significantly higher for male breast cancer than for prostate testicular cancer.
  • Lack of awareness about male breast cancer can be fatal. Men with breast cancer often mistake visible lumps for other problems or ignore them until it is too late. Cancer found at a later stage may be less likely to be effectively treated.
  • Male breast cancer is most common in men between the ages of 60 and 70.

4. Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Prostate cancer occurs in a man's prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that carries sperm. 

FACTS:

  • Prostate cancer usually grows slowly and in the beginning, remains confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. 
  • While some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.
  • Prostate cancer that is detected early, when it's still confined to the prostate gland, has a better chance of successful treatment.
  • It’s very important to see a doctor for a prostate screening every year; for more information, click here.

5. Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer occurs in the testicles (testes), which are located inside the scrotum, a loose bag of skin underneath the penis. The testicles produce male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction.

FACTS:

  • Compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is rare. But testicular cancer is THE MOST COMMON CANCER in young American males between the ages of 15 and 34.
  • Testicular cancer is highly treatable, even when cancer has spread beyond the testicle.
  • Regular testicular self-examinations can help identify growths early, when the chance for successful treatment of testicular cancer is highest. If you notice firm masses or lumps in a testicle (often painless), see a doctor.

Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute

Focused on patient care of unsurpassed excellence, the Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute represents a highly-innovative collaboration between Genesys Regional Medical Center and Hurley Medical Center. From aggressive prevention programs and early detection services to the application of leading edge diagnostics and treatment techniques, the Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute brings hope and healing to our community.

Our highly skilled oncologists and staff treat all forms of cancer, including the following:

Resources

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