Not all cancer patients experience signs or symptoms when the disease is in its early stages. In some cases, the symptoms experienced are brushed off as signs of generic health problems. This happens more often than you can imagine.
It leads to delayed diagnosis and poor prognosis. Studies indicate that men are more likely to ignore early symptoms and receive a diagnosis at a more advanced stage compared to women.
Certain symptoms suggest the possibility of cancer in men. Recognizing these symptoms and consulting a doctor when they are experienced persistently can facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.
The following are some of the common symptoms of cancer in men that overlap with various other conditions.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Weight loss without any change in physical activity or diet should not be ignored. Unintended weight loss is one of the common symptoms of cancers, such as pancreatic, stomach, lung, or colon cancers. Patients should consult with the doctor if they have sudden and significant weight loss.
Persistent Fatigue
Men in the early stages of cancer experience persistent fatigue that does not go away with adequate rest. Fatigue is caused by energy expenditure in fighting against the cancer cells. Further, cancer cells also require energy to grow. Unexplained fatigue is associated with various cancers, such as colon cancer, leukemia, or prostate cancer.
Changes in the Size of Testicles
Testicular cancer is commonly reported in young and middle-aged men. However, it generally goes unnoticed because of the lack of regular checkups. Some of the symptoms of testicular cancer are swelling, a lump, or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotal area. Some patients also experience mild pain in the lower abdomen or the groin.
Altered Urinary Habits
The prostate cancer symptoms related to the urinary system are often ignored because they usually overlap with other conditions, such as urinary tract infections or benign prostate hyperplasia. These symptoms include weak stream, increased frequency and urgency, and difficulty initiating urination. Patients should not ignore these symptoms and consult with the doctor.
Persistent Cough and Hoarseness
A cough is considered chronic when it lasts for over three weeks. A chronic cough without any illness or infections could be an early sign of lung cancer. The presence of hoarseness may indicate cancer of the throat or larynx. Patients should consult with the doctor if they experience a chronic cough with blood in the sputum or chest pain.
Blood in the Urine or Stool
Blood in the stool is ignored as being due to hemorrhoids. However, it may be an early sign of colorectal cancer. Blood in the urine may also be suggestive of kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer. Patients should not ignore any bleeding in the stool or urine, even when it is painless or less frequent.
Changes in the Skin Appearance
Changes in the characteristics of the skin lesions or the development of new moles should not be overlooked, as they may be a sign of skin cancer.
Unexplained Pain
The doctor should evaluate patients with persistent pain without any trauma or swelling, particularly when localized. Back pain may indicate colon, kidney, or prostate cancer if other symptoms are present.
Swallowing Difficulty
Persistent indigestion or difficulty swallowing may be associated with esophageal, stomach, and throat cancers. These symptoms overlap with other less serious conditions, such as acid reflux or acidity, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Conclusion
Several cancer symptoms, especially those in the early stages, are subtle and mimic various other less harmful conditions. Men need to consider routine screening, especially those at increased cancer risk, and not ignore the symptoms. Early detection of cancer improves overall outcomes and the quality of life after the treatment.
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