The free guide looks at the most common cancers suffered by men and covers symptoms and diagnosis, with The Alfred's specialists advising what to do to minimise your risk.

Cancers covered in Men & the Big C include bowel cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, lymphomas, bladder cancer, head and neck cancers and pancreatic cancer.

The booklet points out some relevant facts men should know about cancer:

■ Lung cancer is the cancer that causes the most deaths in Australia. Ninetyper cent of lung cancers are caused by cigarette smoking.

■ Prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer diagnosed in men. If it's found early enough, the cure rate is very good: two-thirds will not die.

■ Research shows that antioxidants in vegetables can lower your risk of prostate cancer (especially cooked tomatoes and broccoli) as well as reducing incidence of colon cancer and heart disease.

■ Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. However, it is one of the most preventable cancers and very treatable if found early.

Men & the Big C is available from today at Carpet Court stores, Pulse pharmacies, GAZ MAN stores, VitaminMe, Thomson Real Estate agencies and the Sofitel Hotel.

To donate to The Alfred Father's Day Appeal, call 1800 888 878 or visit www.fathersdayappeal.org.au