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If you’re married and often wish your wife would nag you less, perhaps you should thank her instead. Studies show that married men are at a lower risk for prostate cancer. The main reason single men are at a greater risk for prostate cancer is they simply avoid getting checkups on a regular basis. Men over the age of 50 should have yearly prostate checks and without prompting from a significant other most put it off, or don’t go at all. Prostate cancer is a devastating illness that shows very few signs in the early stages. However, catching it early can have a great impact on the success of treatments.

Men with a history of cancer, especially prostate cancer, in their family should begin screening at a much earlier age. Gay men and African American men are even less likely to seek regular medical attention and catch prostate cancer quickly. In many cases men site the fear of the actual exam as a reason for steering clear of the doctor’s office. Prostate cancer however is often caught with a simple blood test that will signal a protein called PSA that is prostate cancer specific. Most simply fear what they will find out upon examination but finding out early is very important. Prostate cancer has a high rate of success when dealt with early on. Waiting until signs of illness occur to prompt you to make an appointment with your doctor may be far too late.

There are other reasons single men are at a higher risk for prostate cancer. They tend to eat less responsibly. Good diet high plays a significant role in health and married men, or men cohabitating with a significant other are more likely to eat regular healthy meals. Men in an active relationship are also less likely to be irresponsible in other areas of their lives and have a higher sense of responsibility in keeping themselves healthy for the sake of their partner.

Symptoms of prostate cancer in its more advanced stages are urination at night (during sleep), weakened urinary stream, problems urinating, and pain in the lower abdomen, groin, or tip of penis. African American men as well as all men with a family history of prostate cancer should have regular screenings after the age of 40, and all other men should schedule regular screenings after 50. If you do not have a significant other in your life to prompt you to do it, please do not put it off and make the appointment yourself. If you do have a partner who keeps bothering you until you get that annual physical, give them a great big hug the next time you feel like complaining about their nagging.