15 Symptoms of Cancer in Men That You Cannot Ignore
All cancer symptoms may seem like common illnesses so it is better to seek professional help as soon as these early symptoms of cancer in men appear.
Cancer is considered to be one of the most serious sicknesses one can ever acquire and a leading cause of death for many years. Many people who have been diagnosed with cancer never imagined they could even acquire it. Unlike women, men usually shrug off thoughts of impending symptoms of sicknesses, either because a visit to the doctor’s office does not belong in their to-do list or because they are too nonchalant of the probable goings-on in their body. If you are one of them, it is important to consider some early signs of cancer in men before it gets worse.
15 Common Symptoms of Cancer in Men
See your doctor whenever you are not feeling well or there is a sudden change in your body as nothing beats a problem than an early solution. That is why it would be best to hinder cancer from getting worse by not just maintaining good health but having regular visits to the doctor.
1. Urinary Problem
It is common for men to suffer from urinary problems as they get older, however, it may also be an early symptom of cancer in men as the prostate enlarges. Frequent urination or any difficulty urinating, are red flags that can signify the beginnings of prostate cancer. Dribbling, leaking, and an urgent need to go the restroom may be a sign of something more, most especially if you are also having some troubles starting to pee or have a weak stream. If these occur frequently, it would be safest to see your doctor.
2. Testicle Changes
Either it goes with pain or not, a lump or swelling on either testicle may be an early sign of cancer in men. Testicular cancer may be due to testicular tumors that can be the size of a pea or a marble and could possibly grow bigger. When there is a change in the feeling of your testicles like sudden heaviness, it would be best to undergo an exam.
3. Blood in Urine or Stool
The presence of blood in your urine or stool is indicative of problems and it would be best to see your doctor. Not only are these symptoms of cancer in men, but it may also lead to other sicknesses like urinary infection or hemorrhoids.
4. Changes in Skin
Skin changes are normal, but sudden changes in the size of a mole, skin color, or the presence of spots on the skin should be a cause for concern. One of the early signs of skin cancer is a sudden change in the skin and it is best not to dismiss these as a minor issue.
5. Changes in Lymph Nodes
Early signs of cancer manifest itself in some obvious physical changes. One example is the swelling of the lymph nodes which are the small bean-shaped glands that are located at the side of your neck and armpits. Although a sore throat or a cold may cause a similar swelling, it is best to consult a doctor if the swelling does not dissipate after 2 weeks.
6. Trouble Swallowing
Difficulty in swallowing may be normal for illnesses like sore throat or a cold, but if it is exacerbated by nausea or a severe decrease in weight without a change in your diet or exercise, then it may be an early sign of stomach or even throat cancer for men.
7. Weight Loss
Losing weight wouldn’t be a big deal if you intentionally changed your diet or exercise. Abrupt changes in weight without you trying to lose weight is a tell tale sign of an illness. Although having a sudden loss would not necessarily equate to having cancer, it is important to note that is a symptoms of cancer in men. Blood tests, CT, and PET scan may help you and your doctor decipher what is happening and give you the peace of mind you need.
8. Fever
It is actually a good thing when one has a fever because it means that the body is fighting an infection. However, if you have been suffering fever that doesn’t seem to go away after a week or so, it would be best to see your doctor and have your physical records reviewed as it may be an early sign of cancer.
9. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common feeling especially with continuous activities; however, a deep bone-wrenching feeling type of fatigue is a different thing most especially if it won’t be cured with rest or sleep.
10. Back Pain
We normally experience and suffer from back pain most especially if we had a rough day, but one must also remember that back pains may also be symptoms of cancer in men. Colorectal and prostate cancer may not have early obvious symptoms, but it may be noticeable once it spreads into the other parts of the body like the back.
11. Relentless Cough
Cough is another common illness and carries with it other symptoms like stuffy nose or fever, which may ultimately be unrelated to a virus or an infection. Too much coughing is also an early sign of lung cancer.
12. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath and coughing may be common to regular smokers, however if it is followed by wheezing or releasing a sound coming off the mouth or nose when breathing may be a sign of lung cancer.
13. Breast Lump
Breast cancer is not only prominent to women but also to men. If there is an unusual lump on your breast, it would be best to have it checked with your doctor before it gets worse.
14. Bowel Movement Change
Changes in the bowel activity, or worse, having diarrhea or constipation continuously may be a sign of colon cancer.
15. Depression and Belly Pain
Belly pain happens to us from time to time, but with it being accompanied by depression is a different thing. The combination of belly pain and depression is actually a sign of cancer in the pancreas. It is both a rarity and a hereditary trait. It is best to consult a doctor should this occur.