| Men's health quiz
Men's health quiz 1. What should men avoid to prevent impotence? Correct answer: Smoking Smoking may play a role in causing impotence. Other factors that could lead to impotence - which affects around one in ten men in the UK - include the taking of medicines such as high blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, appetite suppressants and cimetidine (an ulcer drug); psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, low self-esteem or fear of sexual failure; and diseases, including diabetes, kidney disease, chronic alcoholism, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis and vascular disease. Food, cell phones and sports have no effect on a man's risk of impotence. 2. Which of the following 'women's conditions' can also occur in men? Correct answer: Osteoporosis, breast cancer and eating disorders Osteoporosis, breast cancer and eating disorders all occur in men too, though their prevalence is much greater in the female population. As a result, many men, unaware that the diseases affect both sexes, may fail to recognize symptoms. Likewise, doctors and families often don't suspect these illnesses. This can delay therapy and make disorders difficult to treat. Source: National Osteoporosis Society, Cancer Research UK, The Royal College of Psychiatrists 3. Which group is most at risk for testicular cancer? Correct answer: Men between ages 15 and 49 Testicular cancer is the most common cancer for men aged 15 to 49, and it is more common in Caucasian men than other ethnic groups. But any man can get it at any age. This is why it's important for men to have routine physical exams and to talk to their doctor if they notice anything unusual about their testicles, like a painless lump or swelling, an enlargement or change in the way their testicles feel, or pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum. If this cancer is detected early, the treatment can be less aggressive, with fewer side effects. Source: Cancer Research UK 4. Which of the following is the number one killer of UK males? Correct answer: Heart disease Heart disease is the single biggest killer of men in the UK - but there are many ways for men to lower their risk. They should have their blood cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly (and take steps to lower them if they're high). They shouldn't smoke. They should be physically active (getting 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous activity at least three to four times a week) and maintain a healthy weight. They should eat healthy foods that are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and avoid drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day. Source: British Heart Foundation 5. Who is at greater than average risk of getting colorectal cancer? Correct answer: Any of the above In the UK colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men with over 18,000 new cases a year. Men with any of the factors listed may be at a greater risk of getting colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer, which includes both colon cancer and rectal cancer, is usually curable when caught early. Studies are being done in the UK to see if screening for colorectal cancer would be worthwhile. Source: Cancer Research UK 6. Male smokers who quit may add years to their lives. How much can a man who quits between age 35 and 39 extend his life? Correct answer: Five years Here's a great reason to stop smoking: men who quit between the ages of 35 to 39 could add an average of five years to their lives. This is more than for female smokers who quit between ages 35 to 39 - they add an average of three years to their life expectancy. Source: US Surgeon General's Office 7. What percentage of men show signs of hair loss in their 20s? Correct answer: 20 Approximately 20 percent of Caucasian men will show signs of male pattern baldness by the age of 20. The incidence of male pattern baldness increases 10 percent per decade through a man's life. Hereditary balding or thinning is the most common cause of hair loss. The tendency can be inherited from either the mother's or father's side of the family. Source: American Academy of Dermatology 8. What increases the risk for prostate cancer in men? Correct answer: Turning 50, a family history of prostate cancer and a diet high in animal fat The average age of a man diagnosed with prostate cancer is 70; men over 50 are at higher risk, as are men with a family history of prostate cancer and, possibly, men who consume a diet high in animal fat. On the other hand, men with a diet high in fruits and vegetables may actually lower their chances of contracting prostate cancer. Source: Cancer Research UK 9. It's commonly known that men tend not to live as long as women. But what is a man's average life expectancy, in years? Correct answer: 74.6 In the UK a man's average life expectancy at birth is 74.6 years - more than 10 percent lower than that of a woman. (As of 1997, the average life expectancy for women was 79.6.) It is possible to live longer by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Avoid the biggest health risks by following the guidelines mentioned throughout this quiz. Source: UK Government Statistics |