Health
Some Cancer Symptoms Men Ignore
You eat pretty well (some days) and work out (most days). But if you’re like a lot of men, a trip to the doctor isn't on your to-do list. That can be bad if it means you brush off early signs of
cancer .
One of the best ways to fight the disease is to catch it in the early stages, when it’s more treatable. The problem is that the warning signs for many kinds of cancer can seem pretty mild.
Take a look at some of these signs and symptoms. Some are linked more strongly to cancer than others, but all are worth knowing about -- and even talking over with your doctor.
1. Problems When You Pee
Many men have some problems peeing as they get older, like:b
An enlarged prostate gland usually causes these symptoms, but so can prostate cancer . See your doctor to check on the cause of the problem. He’ll give you an exam to look for an enlarged prostate, and he may talk to you about a blood test (called a PSA test) for prostate cancer .
2. Changes in Your Testicles
If you notice a lump, heaviness, or any other change in your testicle, never delay having it looked at. Unlike prostate cancer, which grows slowly, testicular cancer can take off overnight." Your doctor will look for any problems with a
physical exam , blood tests, and an ultrasound of your scrotum.
3. Blood in Your Pee or Stool
These can be among the first signs of cancer of the bladder , kidneys , or colon . It's a good idea to see your doctor for any bleeding that’s not normal, even if you don't have other symptoms, Lepor says. Although you're more likely to have a problem that's not cancer, like hemorrhoids or a urinary infection, it's important to find and treat the cause.
4. 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 . You’ll need an exam and perhaps a biopsy , which means doctors remove a small piece of tissue for testing. With skin cancer , you don't want to wait.
5. 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.
6. Weight Loss Without Trying
Pants fitting a little looser? If you haven’t changed your diet or exercise habits, it could mean that stress or a thyroid problem is taking a toll. But losing 10 pounds or more without trying isn’t normal. Although most unintended weight loss is not cancer, it’s one of the signs of cancer of the pancreas , stomach, or lungs . Your doctor can find out more with blood tests and tools that make detailed pictures of the inside of your body, like a CT or PET scan .
7. Fatigue
Many types of cancer cause a bone-deep tiredness that never gets better, no matter how much rest you get. It’s different from the exhaustion you feel after a hectic week or a lot of activity. If fatigue is affecting your daily life, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you find the cause and let you know if there are ways to treat it.
8. 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.
cancer .
One of the best ways to fight the disease is to catch it in the early stages, when it’s more treatable. The problem is that the warning signs for many kinds of cancer can seem pretty mild.
Take a look at some of these signs and symptoms. Some are linked more strongly to cancer than others, but all are worth knowing about -- and even talking over with your doctor.
1. Problems When You Pee
Many men have some problems peeing as they get older, like:b
- A need to pee more often, especially at night
- Dribbling, leaking, or an urgent need to go
- Trouble starting to pee, or a weak stream
An enlarged prostate gland usually causes these symptoms, but so can prostate cancer . See your doctor to check on the cause of the problem. He’ll give you an exam to look for an enlarged prostate, and he may talk to you about a blood test (called a PSA test) for prostate cancer .
2. Changes in Your Testicles
If you notice a lump, heaviness, or any other change in your testicle, never delay having it looked at. Unlike prostate cancer, which grows slowly, testicular cancer can take off overnight." Your doctor will look for any problems with a
physical exam , blood tests, and an ultrasound of your scrotum.
3. Blood in Your Pee or Stool
These can be among the first signs of cancer of the bladder , kidneys , or colon . It's a good idea to see your doctor for any bleeding that’s not normal, even if you don't have other symptoms, Lepor says. Although you're more likely to have a problem that's not cancer, like hemorrhoids or a urinary infection, it's important to find and treat the cause.
4. 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 . You’ll need an exam and perhaps a biopsy , which means doctors remove a small piece of tissue for testing. With skin cancer , you don't want to wait.
5. 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.
6. Weight Loss Without Trying
Pants fitting a little looser? If you haven’t changed your diet or exercise habits, it could mean that stress or a thyroid problem is taking a toll. But losing 10 pounds or more without trying isn’t normal. Although most unintended weight loss is not cancer, it’s one of the signs of cancer of the pancreas , stomach, or lungs . Your doctor can find out more with blood tests and tools that make detailed pictures of the inside of your body, like a CT or PET scan .
7. Fatigue
Many types of cancer cause a bone-deep tiredness that never gets better, no matter how much rest you get. It’s different from the exhaustion you feel after a hectic week or a lot of activity. If fatigue is affecting your daily life, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you find the cause and let you know if there are ways to treat it.
8. 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.
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