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LONDON, Jun 14, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Cancer has overtaken heart disease as the biggest killer of men in Britain, whose cancer risk is double that of women's, The Independent reported Monday.
A study by the Men's Health Forum to mark the country's National Men's Health Week said the country's cancer policy was failing men, with 80,000 dying each year and 134,000 more diagnosed.
Excluding gender-specific prostate and breast cancers, men are at almost twice the risk of developing lung, bowel, bladder and seven other cancers that affect both sexes, and twice as likely to die of them, the study said.
One of its novel recommendations to address the issue is to set up health clinics in pubs to encourage men to get treatment.
"Health checks for men should be established in workplaces, barber's shops, pubs and sports venues," the report said.
The higher rates among men are linked to unhealthy lifestyles -- men smoke and drink more, and eat fewer fruit and vegetables than women -- and the failure of men to notice early signs of cancer or seek help when they spot them, the report said.
Copyright 2004 by United Press International.
