THE TOP HEALTH RISKS FOR MEN

Experts say most fatal diseases in men under 75 could be prevented by adopting the changes on the previous page. Here is our rundown of the biggest killers and the early warning signs that he should see his GP…

1 HEART ATTACKS Keeping to a healthy weight, eating a diet that doesn’t contain many processed foods, stopping smoking and doing exercise are key ways to reduce his risk. High blood pressure is one of the biggest factors, and Public Health England says one of the easiest ways to combat it is to reduce your salt intake.

Warning signs Pain that travels from chest to arms, jaw, neck, back or abdomen; chest pain, which may feel like pressure or squeezing; shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or anxiety. 2 LUNG CANCER The risk of lung cancer is around 26 times higher in men who smoke

15 to 24 cigarettes per day, and around five times higher in smokers of one to four cigarettes per day. Warning signs Shortness of breath, an ache or pain in shoulder or chest, loss of appetite, a persistent cough, coughing up phlegm with blood, tiredness, weight loss. 3 MENTAL HEALTH Stay alert for signs of depression, particularly in young males, who are unlikely to seek help. Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK. Seek advice from CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably),

which is dedicated to challenging the culture that discourages men from seeking help. Call the helpline on 0800 585858 (5pm to midnight); visit thecalmzone.net.

Warning signs Anger, irritability or being ‘on edge’; loss of interest in work, family and things he once enjoyed; insomnia; eating or drinking too much. He may also find it difficult to concentrate and lose interest in sex. 4 BOWEL CANCER According to Bowel Cancer UK, around half of bowel cancer cases are preventable. Eating too much processed meat, such as bacon and sausages, increases risk, whereas eating more foods containing fibre, such as beans, cereals, fruit and vegetables, may prevent some cases. When he reaches the age of 60, encourage him to take the free NHS bowel-screening test.

Warning signs Bleeding from the rectum or blood in poo; changes to bowel habits; needing to strain to poo, even after opening bowels; weight loss; pain in the abdomen or back passage. 5 CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE This severe and progressive lung condition (known as COPD) makes breathing difficult, with 90% of cases caused by smoking.

Warning signs Increasing breathlessness on exertion,

a persistent cough with phlegm, frequent coughs, colds and chest infections. 6 TESTICULAR CANCER This is the most common malignancy in young men aged between 20 and 40, with the peak age for diagnosis being 30 to 34 years, although it can occur at any time. The number of men affected has increased by 10% over the past decade, and it’s continuing to rise.

Warning signs Encourage any men in your life, of any age, to examine their testicles regularly (such as when in the shower), checking for any irregularity, hardness, lumps or tenderness. 7 PROSTATE CANCER Prostate cancer is extremely rare in men under 50, with most cases diagnosed in men aged 70 to 74. The causes are unknown, but according to Prostate Cancer UK, research suggests that being overweight may increase the risk of aggressive or advanced forms. Having prostate cancer in the family, especially if other family members were affected at a young age, also increases your risk, as does being of Afro-caribbean origin.

Warning signs Having to rush to the toilet to pass urine; urinating more often, especially at night; taking time to urinate; blood in the urine; a sense of being unable to empty the bladder.