The Movember MANual

A guide to the most common cancers in Malaysian men

Hello gents. As a modern man, you know the secret to living your best life. Eat lots of fruits and veggies. Drink plenty of water. Exercise regularly. And don’t smoke la dei. 

But what do you know about cancers in Malaysian men? And what can you do about it? This Movember, show a bro some love. Share this guide with the men in your life. You could help save lives! 

Now, let’s take a look at some of the top cancers in Malaysian men. 

Colorectal cancer: Mind your own business

Literally! Checking your poop is one way you can look out for the red flags of colorectal cancer, also known as bowel or colon cancer. Over 50% of colorectal cancer cases could be prevented by knowing the signs and symptoms, living a healthy lifestyle, and going for regular screening. 

What to look out for 

Changes that last more than a few days – diarrhea, constipation, narrowing of stool, bloody stools, urge to poo when bowel is empty, abdominal discomfort, pain and bloating, bleeding and mucus from the rectum, unintentional weight loss 

Wah, so scary. What to do?? 

Eat healthy – cut down on fatty food and red meat

If you’re over 50, go for regular screening: 

Yearly – Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) to check for blood in stools 

Every 5 years – Sigmoidoscopy (scope lower part of colon) with FOBT every 3 years 

Every 10 years – Colonoscopy (scope entire colon) 

Lung cancer: Stop smoking a.s.a.p. lo 

More than half of the world’s lung cancer cases occur in Asia. The good news is, it’s the most preventable cancer because it’s largely due to lifestyle factors like tobacco use. 

What to look out for

Persistent cough, hoarseness of voice, blood stained phlegm, chest pain, shortness of breath, unintentional weight loss 

You know what to do 

For smokers, check out the quit plan on JomQuit. 

For non-smokers, avoid second-hand smoke, or set up a non-smoking policy at home or at the office. If you know someone who smokes, help them find other ways of dealing with stress like buddying up to go to the gym.

Prostate cancer: Don’t be cocky , go for checkups

Prostate cancer can be treated if diagnosed early. So, jangan ego! Go for a checkup if you have any of these symptoms. 

What to look out for

Frequent need to pee, difficulty peeing or holding your pee, weak or interrupted flow of urine, pain or burning sensation while peeing, erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, blood in urine or semen, frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs 

BUT some prostate cancer patients don’t show any signs and symptoms x__x 

A Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test measures PSA levels in the blood, and can help detect prostate cancer early. Talk to your doctor about screening if you have a family history of cancer.

Nasopharyngeal cancer: When cancer gives you a head job

Naso-apa-tu?? Kelas, the nasopharynx is located behind your nose and above the back of your throat. It is a common cancer in South East Asia, also known as an “Asian Cancer”. It is linked to Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and eating lots of salted fish, ikan bilis and preserved food. 

What to look out for 

Lumps at the neck area, blood in saliva or phlegm, bloody discharge from nose, persistent nasal congestion, hearing loss, ringing in ears, or a feeling of fullness in the ear, double vision, headaches and facial numbness 

Whatudu 

If you have any of the signs and symptoms above, see a specialist for a nasal examination immediately 

Don’t smoke, avoid second hand smoke 

Cut down on fatty food and red meat, avoid overconsumption of salted cured fish, meat and pickled food, reduce alcohol intake

What Cancer Research Malaysia is doing for men’s cancers, and how you can help 

We developed the first Buatan Malaysia vaccine for oral cancer, which is more common in Asian men – and we’re going into clinical trials soon! 

We’re also working on an AI-powered app to help detect oral cancer. 

Through our genetic research, we also discovered that 25,000 Malaysian men inherit BRCA gene mutations, and have a 1 in 8 chance of developing prostate cancer. We are currently studying treatment options for BRCA carriers with breast cancer – if successful, we hope to expand our research to prostate cancer treatment options in the future. 

Be a bro. Donate to support lifesaving cancer research in Asians.