Publications
Men: Health Tips for Your 20s
Focused on Health - September 2011
by Adelina Espat
Staying in fighting shape is one of your best defenses against cancer and other diseases. Use these tips to help you look and feel your best in your 20s.
Living the Fast (Food) Life
PROBLEM: You may be eating fast food because it’s cheap and easy. And, at this age, you may even have the metabolism to burn up unwanted calories. But, you’re not powering up with the nutrients you need to keep your body and mind healthy today and later in life.
FIX: The better choice? Learn to whip up a few simple, healthy meals. And, use our cancer prevention grocery list to fill your cart with healthier options. We’ve also got a quick guide that’ll teach you how to decode food labels. (link to patient ed fact sheet)
Sex, Vaccines and HPV
PROBLEM: Most sexually active men will get the human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point in their lives. This sexually transmitted disease can cause penile, anal and head and neck cancers in men.
FIX: Protect your body from HPV. One way is by getting the HPV vaccine. You can get the vaccine up to age 26. It protects you from the HPV types that cause most genital warts and anal cancers.
You also can reduce your risk of HPV infection by staying in a monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. Condom use reduces your chances of getting infected, but it doesn’t fully protect you against HPV.
Too Much Booze, You Lose
PROBLEM: Men are more likely to be binge drinkers than women. That’s bad news because drinking even a small amount of alcohol increases your chances of developing cancer. Yet, other research suggests that a little red wine may help prevent cancer.
FIX: Until more is known, drink alcohol in moderation. That means no more than two drinks per day. Check out our drink guide to get the low-down on how much is too much as well as a list of low-calorie drink options.
Get more tips by age
“Practicing these healthy behaviors is important for all men, regardless of age,” says Therese Bevers, M.D., medical director of MD Anderson’s Cancer Prevention Center. “So take note of all of these tips — even the ones directed toward men older or younger than you.”
Men's Health Tips for Your 30s
Men's Health Tips for Your 40s
Men's Health Tips for Your 50s and Older
Current Issue - April 2013
Your Cancer Prevention Tips
Learn about yoga's health benefits. Find low-cost cancer-fighting foods.
Subscribe to Focused on Health
Content - September 2011
Show You Care!
Cancer Risk Check
Could you be more likely to get cancer?
Find out by taking MD Anderson’s Cancer Risk Check.