Doctors warn that habits like smoking, eating too much red meat, and skipping check-ups are increasing men’s cancer risk—but taking proactive steps can make a difference.
Late nights, fast food, long working hours, and little exercise have become common for many men, but these habits are quietly contributing to a worrying health trend. According to the Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2017–2021, the lifetime risk of Malaysian men developing cancer has risen from 1 in 10 to 1 in 8, with colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers topping the list. While genetics play a role, lifestyle choices remain the biggest factor. “Only about five to ten percent of cancers are hereditary,” explains Dr Hafizah Zaharah Ahmad, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV). “For the majority, our daily habits — what we eat, how active we are, and our commitment to screenings — make the biggest difference.”
Modern lifestyles often foster habits that silently harm long-term health. Prolonged sitting, processed diets, and limited physical activity can lead to obesity, chronic inflammation, and hormonal imbalances, creating conditions conducive to tumor growth. High intake of processed and red meats further compounds the risk, yet many men dismiss early warning signs due to social stigma or embarrassment, particularly regarding urinary or reproductive health. Dr Goh Cheng Hood, Consultant Urologist at SMCV, warns that such hesitation can result in late-stage diagnosis, limiting treatment options and reducing survival chances.
Colorectal cancer, the most common cancer among Malaysian men, often begins as small polyps that may turn cancerous over 5–10 years. Diets low in fiber and high in red or processed meats, along with physical inactivity and smoking, increase risk. Early detection through colonoscopy significantly improves outcomes, while dietary and lifestyle adjustments — including reducing red meat and quitting smoking — can lower risk.
Lung cancer, closely linked to smoking, remains one of the deadliest cancers among men. Exposure to carcinogenic chemicals damages DNA and triggers inflammation, yet early symptoms such as cough or fatigue are often ignored, with over 95% of cases diagnosed at advanced stages.
Prostate cancer develops slowly, often mimicking benign prostate enlargement and remaining asymptomatic until later stages. Men over 58, those taking testosterone supplements, or carrying the BRCA2 gene face higher risk. Regular screening with the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, starting from age 50 (or 40 for high-risk individuals), allows early detection and can extend life expectancy by up to 15 years in early-detected cases.
Experts stress that cancer prevention is largely within one’s control. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising regularly, staying hydrated, managing stress, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol intake all support healthy cell function and reduce cancer risk. Combining healthy lifestyle habits with timely screenings such as colonoscopy, low-dose CT scans for smokers, and annual health checks can detect abnormalities early, when treatment is most effective.
While cancer rates among Malaysian men continue to rise, awareness, prevention, and early action offer the strongest defense. Sunway Medical Centre Velocity continues to champion men’s health through multidisciplinary care and public education, emphasizing that taking charge of one’s wellbeing today is the key to a longer, healthier future. For more information, visit www.sunmedvelocity.com.my or contact SMCV at +603 9772 9191.
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