10 Cancer Symptoms Men Ignore

We understand. Most men dislike visiting the doctor. The problem is that diseases like cancer can develop whether they are diagnosed or not. Routine preventive care can find cancer and other diseases in their early stages. At this point, more treatment options and better chances for a cure exist.

Thankfully, more men are now taking cancer seriously. The #NoShaveNovember campaign is a great example. During November, men stop shaving to raise money for cancer research and awareness. The goal is to grow awareness through their hair, which many cancer patients lose. The campaign encourages men to donate the money they usually spend on grooming. These funds help educate people about cancer prevention, save lives, and support those fighting the battle.

Paying attention to specific, sometimes subtle, cancer symptoms is vital. Here are 10 common ones men often overlook.

Symptom 1: Breast Mass

Like most men, you probably haven’t considered the possibility of breast cancer. While it is not common, it is possible. “Any new mass in the breast area of a man needs to be checked out by a physician,” says Lichtenfeld.

The American Cancer Society also points to other worrisome breast-related signs for both men and women. These include:

• Skin dimpling or puckering
• Nipple retraction
• Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin
• Nipple discharge

When you see your doctor about these signs, expect a careful history and a physical exam. Depending on the findings, the doctor might order a mammogram, a biopsy, or other tests.

Symptom 2: Pain

People often complain of more aches and pains as they age. But pain, however vague, can be an early symptom of some cancers. Most pain complaints, however, are not from cancer.

The American Cancer Society advises that a physician should check any persistent pain. Your doctor can take a detailed history, gather more information, and then decide if further testing is necessary. If it’s not cancer, you will still benefit from the visit. The doctor can work with you to find the cause of the pain and help you manage it.

Symptom 3: Changes in the Testicles

Testicular cancer most often affects men between 20 and 39. The American Cancer Society recommends that men get a testicular exam from a doctor during a routine cancer-related checkup. Some doctors also suggest a monthly self-exam.

Yu says it’s wise to be aware of troubling testicular symptoms between exams. “Any change in the size of the testicles, such as growth or shrinkage, should be a concern,” Yu notes. Additionally, do not ignore swelling or a lump. A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum is also a warning sign. Some testicular cancers develop very quickly, making early detection crucial. Yu recalls a young man who waited until his testicle was the size of a grapefruit before seeking help. “If you feel a hard lump…in your testicle, get it checked right away,” Yu advises.

Your doctor will perform a testicular exam and assess your overall health. If cancer is a possibility, they may order blood tests. You might also have an ultrasound of your scrotum. Your doctor may also perform a biopsy, taking a small tissue sample to check for cancer.

Symptom 4: Fever

An unexplained fever might indicate cancer. It could also signal another illness that needs treatment, like pneumonia.

Most cancers cause fever at some stage. Often, a fever appears after the cancer has spread from its original site. However, the American Cancer Society states it can also be caused by blood cancers like lymphoma or leukemia. Do not ignore a fever that you cannot explain. See your doctor to find out the cause and if treatment is needed.

Symptom 5: Weight Loss Without Trying

Unexpected weight loss is a concern, says Lichtenfeld. “Most of us don’t lose weight easily.” This isn’t about losing a few pounds from more exercise or a busy schedule. Weight loss is a symptom of multiple myeloma, and Black men over 50 are at a particularly high risk. If a man loses more than 10% of his body weight in a short time, like a few weeks, he should see a doctor.

Your doctor will perform a general physical. They will ask about your diet, exercise, and other symptoms. Based on this information, the doctor will determine what other tests are necessary.

Symptom 6: Abdominal Pain and Depression

“Any guy who’s got a pain in the abdomen and is feeling depressed needs a checkup,” Lichtenfeld says. Experts have found a link between depression and pancreatic cancer. Other symptoms can include jaundice or a change in stool color, which often becomes gray.

Expect your doctor to perform a careful physical exam and take your medical history. The doctor may then order tests like a chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.

Symptom 7: Fatigue

Fatigue is another vague symptom that could point to cancer in men, but many other issues could cause it. Like fever, fatigue can appear after the cancer has grown. The American Cancer Society notes it can also happen early in cancers like leukemia or with some colon or stomach cancers.

If you often feel extremely tired and rest doesn’t help, see your doctor. Your doctor will evaluate your fatigue along with any other symptoms to find the cause and a solution.

Symptom 8: Persistent Cough

Coughs are expected with colds, the flu, and allergies. They can also be a side effect of medication. But you should not ignore a prolonged cough that lasts more than three or four weeks, says Ranit Mishori, MD. That kind of cough requires a visit to the doctor. It could be a cancer symptom or indicate another problem like chronic bronchitis or acid reflux.

Your doctor will take a careful history and examine your throat. They will check your lung function and may order X-rays, especially if you smoke. Once the cause is identified, your doctor will work with you on a treatment plan.

Symptom 9: Urinary Problems

As men age, urinary problems become more frequent, Yu says. These include the urge to urinate more often, a sense of urgency, and feeling like the bladder is not completely empty. “Every man will develop these problems as he gets older,” he notes. “But if you notice it and it concerns you, you should seek attention.” This is especially true if the symptoms worsen.

Your doctor will perform a digital rectal exam to check if the prostate gland is enlarged. The gland often enlarges with age due to a noncancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Your doctor may also order a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA is a protein from the prostate gland, and the test helps screen for prostate cancer. If your doctor finds abnormalities or your PSA is high, they may refer you to a urologist and possibly order a biopsy.

Symptom 10: Blood Where It Shouldn’t Be

“Anytime you see blood coming from a body part where you’ve never seen it before, see a doctor,” Lichtenfeld advises. “If you start coughing or spitting up blood, have blood in the bowel, or blood in the urine, it’s time for a doctor visit.”

Mishori says it’s a mistake to assume blood in the stool is just from a hemorrhoid. “It could be colon cancer,” he warns.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms. They may also order tests like a colonoscopy, which examines the colon with a flexible tube and camera. A colonoscopy can identify signs of cancer or precancer and find other causes of bleeding.

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