Shooting back pain, indigestion, frequent urination – you may assume these are minor health issues that don’t need a doctor visit. But think again. Cancer symptoms are vague many of them are less obvious.
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Cancer is among the most common causes of death in adult males. While a healthy diet can decrease the risk of developing certain cancer, other factors like genes can play a larger role. Knowing early symptoms can help you seek early treatment to better your chances of remission. EHC lists out some of the early warning signs of cancer in men so that you may check with your doctor.
Abnormal lump
A feeling of mass or lump right below your skin could be a sign of cancer. Lumps normally show up in the breast, testicles, lymph nodes, and soft tissues. Report it to your doctor immediately.
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Bowel changes
The occasional bowel problem is normal, but changes in your bowels may indicate either colon or rectal cancer, collectively called colorectal cancers. Colon cancer affects the entire colon, while rectal cancer affects the lower portion that connects to the anus. Frequent diarrhea and constipation may indicate cancer, particularly if these bowel changes come on suddenly. These problems also may be accompanied by frequent gas and abdominal pain.
Rectal bleeding
Rectal bleeding may be an early sign of rectal cancer. This is especially the case if you experience bleeding from the rectum every time you pass a bowel movement. You may notice blood in your stools. While this is a cancer symptom, colon cancers are difficult to self-diagnose in the early stages. Regular colon cancer screenings are recommended starting at age 50.
Blood in urine
While prostate cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms in its earliest stages, blood in the urine can be one of them. Blood in urine also may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other prostate problems. Early prostate cancer can also cause bloody semen.
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Recurring back pain
Back pain is the most common cause of disability, but few men realize that it may be a sign of cancer. Common symptoms of colorectal and prostate cancers may not show until they spread to other parts of the body, such as the back. Unlike occasional muscle pain, this causes tenderness and discomfort in the bones. Prostate cancer specifically may cause these symptoms within the bones of the hips and lower back.
Unusual coughing
Coughing isn’t exclusive to smokers, or to people with a cold or allergies. A persistent cough is an early sign of lung cancer. If you don’t have any other related symptoms, such as a stuffy nose or fever, the cough probably is not related to a virus or infection. Coughing accompanied with bloody mucus is associated with lung cancer in men.
Testicular lumps
Testicular cancers in men are less common than cancers of the prostate, lungs, and colon. Still, there are early signs you shouldn’t ignore. Lumps in the testicles are a warning sign that you might have this cancer.
Skin changes
When you notice a change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other spot on your skin, see your doctor as soon as you can. Spots that are new or look different are top signs of skin cancer.
Trouble swallowing
Some people have trouble swallowing from time to time. But if your problems don’t go away and you’re also losing weight or vomiting, your doctor may want to check you for throat or stomach cancer. He’ll start with a throat exam and barium X-ray. During a barium test, you drink a special liquid that makes your throat stand out on the X-ray.
Heartburn
You can take care of most cases of heartburn with changes to your diet, drinking habits, and stress levels. If that doesn’t help, ask your doctor to look into your symptoms. Heartburn that doesn't go away or gets worse could mean stomach or throat cancer.
Excessive fatigue
Fatigue can be related to a number of chronic illnesses and medical disorders. Excessive fatigue is your body’s way of telling you that something just isn’t right. As cancer cells grow and reproduce, your body may start to feel run down. Fatigue is especially prominent in colorectal cancers in men.
Unexplained weight loss
It becomes more difficult to maintain your weight as you get older, so you might consider weight loss as a positive thing. But, sudden, unexplained weight loss can indicate a serious health problem, including almost any type of cancer. If you rapidly drop pounds despite no changes in diet or exercise, discuss this with your doctor.
Fever
A fever is usually not a bad thing. It means your body is fighting an infection. But one that won't go away and doesn’t have an explanation could signal leukemia or another blood cancer. Your doctor should take your medical history and give you a physical exam to check on the cause.
Pain
Cancer doesn’t cause most aches and pains, but if you’re hurting for more than a month, don’t just grin and bear it. Ongoing pain can be a signal of many types of cancer, especially those that have spread.
Men shouldn’t ignore their health. It is vital to stay informed, pay attention to changes in your body and report unusual symptoms to your doctor right away.
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Image courtesy: abc.net.au , blogspot.com , insidearm.com
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