You maintain a healthy lifestyle with your diet and workout routine (most days). To be sure, going to the doctor probably isn’t high on your list of priorities if you’re a man. That’s not great if it causes you to ignore warning signals of cancer in its early stages.
It is important to detect the disease in its early, more curable phases so that it can be effectively combated. Symptoms of many forms of cancer, however, can initially appear to be rather insignificant.
Read about these 15 warning signals. The risk of cancer may be higher in some people than in others, but it is still important to be aware of all of these factors and discuss them with your doctor.
1. Problems When You Pee
Many middle-aged and elderly men experience urinary issues, including:
. Increased frequency of urination, especially during sleep.
. Constant dripping or leaking, or a pressing need to use the restroom.
. Challenges in initiating urination or/and experiencing a poor urine flow.
.Urinary pain or discomfort.
Commonly, these signs and symptoms are brought on by an enlarged prostate gland, but prostate cancer might also be to blame. It’s best to see a doctor to figure out what’s wrong. It’s possible that you’ll be offered a blood test (the PSA test) to screen for prostate cancer in addition to an exam to check for an enlarged prostate.
2. Changes in Your Testicles
Herbert Lepor, MD, chairman of urology at New York University Langone Medical Center, advises, “If you discover a lump, heaviness, or any other change in your testicle, never delay having it looked at.” Testicular cancer “may spread rapidly, unlike the more gradual progression of prostate cancer.” Your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination, run blood tests, and perform an ultrasound of your scrotum to rule out any potential issues.
3. Blood in Your Pee or Stool
These symptoms may also appear early on in the development of bladder, kidney, or colon cancer. Lepor advises getting checked out by a medical professional if you experience any abnormal bleeding, even if you don’t have any other symptoms. Even though you probably have something less serious than cancer, such hemorrhoids or a urinary tract infection, it’s still crucial to determine what’s wrong and have it treated.
4. Skin Changes
You should contact a doctor right away if a mole or other place on your skin has changed in size, shape, or color. New or unusual spots are one of the most important indicators of skin cancer. A biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is removed for analysis, is part of the examination process. Oncologist at NYU’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, Marleen Meyers, MD, stresses the need of acting quickly when diagnosing and treating skin cancer.
5. Changes in Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are little bean-shaped glands located throughout the body, but tenderness or swelling in these areas can be an indication that something is wrong. This usually indicates that your immune system is working to combat a cold or sore throat, but it can also be caused by cancer. Meyers recommends seeing a doctor about any swelling or soreness that persists beyond two to four weeks.
6. Trouble Swallowing
Occasionally, people have difficulty swallowing. However, if your issues persist and you’re also losing weight and throwing up, your doctor may suspect cancer of the throat or stomach. Initial procedures will involve a barium X-ray and examination of the throat. A barium swallow test involves ingesting a liquid that will later highlight your throat on an X-ray.
7. Heartburn
Most cases of heartburn can be remedied by adjusting one’s eating routine, fluid intake, and stress levels. When it doesn’t alleviate your problems, it’s time to see a doctor. Cancer of the throat or stomach may be the cause of persistent heartburn. When stomach acid eats away at the esophagus’ lining, a disorder known as Barrett’s esophagus develops. Rare as it may be, Barrett’s can increase your risk of acquiring throat cancer.
8. Mouth Changes
Mouth cancer is more likely to develop in those who smoke or use chewing tobacco. If you notice any white, red, gray, or yellow patches inside your mouth or on your lips, you may have thrush. Canker sores, which might resemble ulcers with craters, are another possibility. Exams and care can be discussed with a medical or dental professional.
9. Weight Loss Without Trying
Are your pants getting a bit baggy? If you haven’t made any changes to your lifestyle, such as eating more healthily or exercising more frequently, it may be stress or a thyroid issue. However, dropping ten or more pounds without making any changes is abnormal. Loss of appetite is a symptom of cancer of the pancreas, stomach, or lungs, but it is not the cause of most cases of unexplained weight loss. Blood tests and imaging technologies like CT and PET scans can provide your doctor with further information.
10. Fever
Most of the time, a fever is a sign that your body is successfully fighting off an illness, which is good news. However, a persistent one that isn’t due to any external factor may be an indication of leukemia or another blood malignancy. In order to determine the root of the problem, your doctor should review your medical records and do a physical examination.
11. Breast Changes
Over 2,470 males will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. Meyers warns that male breast tumors are similarly “discovered substantially later” than female ones because males “tend to disregard breast lumps because breast cancer isn’t on their radar.” Don’t take any risks. Tell your doctor if you feel a lump anywhere on your body. The key to effective treatment is early diagnosis.
12. Fatigue
In many cases, cancer treatment leaves patients feeling permanently exhausted. It’s not the same as the fatigue you get after a busy week or strenuous physical exertion. Consult a medical professional if persistent tiredness is interfering with your life. The doctor will be able to determine the root of the problem and recommend possible treatments.
13. Cough
In most cases, a chronic cough in a nonsmoker is not cancer. After three to four weeks, most symptoms diminish or go altogether. If yours doesn’t and you’re experiencing breathing difficulties or a bloody cough, you should see a doctor immediately, especially if you’re a smoker. Having a persistent cough is the most noticeable symptom of lung cancer. The mucus in your lungs can help your doctor diagnose an illness. They might also order a chest X-ray to rule out any underlying issues.
14. Pain
Most pains and discomforts are not caused by cancer, but if they persist for more than a month, you should seek medical attention. Lepor notes that persistent pain may indicate the presence of a variety of cancers, including ones that have spread throughout the body.
15. Belly Pain and Depression
Rarely, depression and stomach pain both may be indicators of pancreatic cancer. Must you be concerned? Meyers says no unless there is a history of cancer in your family. Then it’s time to make an appointment with your doctor.
