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 these 15 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:
- · 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 canprostate 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," says Herbert Lepor, MD,
urology chairman at New York University Langone Medical Center. "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, says
Marleen Meyers, MD, an oncologist at NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center.
5.
Changes in Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes, small bean-shaped glands
found in your neck, armpits, and other places, often signal that something's
going on in your body. Usually, they mean your immune system is fighting a sore throat or
cold, but certain cancers also can make them change. Have your doctor check any
swelling that doesn't get better in 2 to 4 weeks, Meyers says.
6.
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.
7.
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.
8. Mouth Changes
If you smoke or chew tobacco, you have a higher risk of mouth cancer. Keep an eye out
for white or red patches inside your mouth or
on your lips. Talk to your doctor or dentist about tests and treatments.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11.
Breast Changes
"Men tend to ignore breast lumps
because breast
cancer isn't on their
radar," Meyers says. "But 1% of all breast cancers
occur in men, although they're usually diagnosed much later." Don’t take
any chances. If you find a lump, tell your doctor and have it checked.
12.
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. She can help you find the cause
and let you know if there are ways to treat it.
13. Cough
In nonsmokers, a nagging cough is almost never cancer. Most go away
after 3 to 4 weeks. If yours doesn’t, and you’re short of breath or coughup blood, don't delay a visit to your
doctor, especially if you smoke. Acough is
the most common sign of lung
cancer. Your doctor can test mucus from your lungs to see if you
have an infection. He may also give you a chest X-ray to check for another
problem.
14. 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.
15. Belly
Pain and Depression
It’s rare, but depression along with stomach pain can
be a sign of cancer of the pancreas.
Should you worry? Not unless this cancer runs in your family. Then
you need to see your doctor.
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