The incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing for white men and even more dramatically for black men. When detected early, this type of cancer can often be arrested with surgery. Men are largely unaware of the positive measures that can be taken in the area of diet and exercise. The problem may just be enlargement, or it could be cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in both white and black males and has caused 30,000 deaths in 1990 alone.
Early detection is critical to effective treatment and survival.
While changes in sexual function, including changes in erection and orgasm, occur in the older man, most older men can lead a satisfying sex life. Problems may be caused by disease, medications, or other physical conditions that can be successfully treated. Under these physical changes and conditions are issues that arise from the particular life experiences and social roles of this generation that affect use of healthcare services or involvement in programs for older adults. Older men come from a generation in which much of their self-worth was derived from work. They may have prepared for retirement with a focus on financial planning but with little attention to knowledge or skills for coping with life after work.