Men, don’t ignore these common cancer symptoms
Many men tend to prioritize daily responsibilities and may overlook or downplay symptoms such as pain, fatigue or other health concerns. They may delay a visit to the doctor until something feels urgent. But catching health issues when they first crop up—or even before symptoms begin—is vital. Many types of cancer can be more easily treated when caught in early stages, which can result in better outcomes.
This Men’s Health Month, I want to empower men to be in tune with your body, learn about what signs you should not ignore, and reach out to your health care provider with any concerns.
Look at this breakdown of key warning signs of prostate, testicular, lung and colorectal cancers. The symptoms listed may be linked to other benign conditions and are not a complete list of symptoms for each of these cancers, so speak honestly with a health care provider to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
سرطان البروستات
Just last month, former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of سرطان البروستات. About one in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common cancer among men (not including skin cancer). While prostate cancer can occur at any age, the chances of being diagnosed go up as you get older. But when found early—before the cancer has spread beyond the prostate—the five-year survival rate of prostate cancer is close to 100%.
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Prostate cancer may cause no symptoms in its early stages. But if you notice blood in your urine or experience pain in your lower back, pelvis, thighs or the area between the testicles and anus, reach out to your doctor.
These symptoms may also be linked to other benign conditions such as an enlarged prostate or erectile dysfunction, but they usually warrant a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
You should also tell your doctor if you have any family members who have had prostate cancer and share your racial/ethnic background. Depending on your age and risk factors, your doctor will recommend a screening schedule that is right for you.
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is far less common than prostate cancer but tends to hit men in their 20s and 30s when cancer may not be at top of mind. That is why I encourage men to periodically examine their testicles. If you notice any lumps or bumps, tell your doctor. Other symptoms of testicular cancer may include pain, swelling, irritation or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. Early detection is key and testicular cancer treatment is often highly effective, even at later stages.
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سرطان الرئة
سرطان الرئة is the second most common cancer in men (not including skin cancer). The most common symptom is a chronic cough lasting six weeks or longer. People with lung cancer may also cough up blood and have chest pain. If you have any of these symptoms—particularly if you smoke or have a history of smoking—reach out to your doctor. A chronic cough could also signal seasonal allergies, asthma, pulmonary embolism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or many other conditions, so talking to your doctor and being honest about your smoking history is vital to ensuring an accurate diagnosis.
The primary screening tool for lung cancer is a low-dose CT scan, routinely recommended for current or former smokers between the ages of 50 and 80. But even non-smokers who are experiencing these symptoms should advocate for their health and get screened.
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سرطان قولوني مستقيمي
Men are slightly more likely to develop سرطان قولوني مستقيمي than women—and colorectal cancer is affecting people at younger ages than ever before. Symptoms can include:
• Blood in stool
• Rectal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or a change in the look of your stool
• Abdominal pain
These symptoms could be a sign of another health problem, such as hemorrhoids or a gastrointestinal illness, or could be a red flag for colorectal cancer, so getting checked if you experience anything that’s not normal for you is important.
In accordance with the most recent guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), we now start screening people at average risk of colorectal cancer at age 45. (Previously, the recommended age to begin colorectal cancer screening was 50.) If you are at high risk—such as if you have a personal history of polyps or a family history of colorectal cancer—you should start even younger.
Men, know your body and be proactive regarding your health. Early detection can save lives and improve quality of life. Let’s make Men’s Health Awareness Month a time to take action!
Sam Ballew, D.O., is a board-certified family medicine physician with the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. He sees patients at the Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center and is chief of Adult and Family Medicine for Kaiser Permanente’s DC/ Suburban Maryland service area.