Cancer is a serious disease that can affect anyone, but it’s especially important for men to be aware of the risks and symptoms. In this article, we’ll take a lighter look at cancer in men, with a focus on the most common types of cancer that affect men, their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
The Most Common Types of Cancer in Men
The most common types of cancer in men are:
- Prostate cancer: This is the most common cancer in men, accounting for about 1 in 7 cancers diagnosed in men. Prostate cancer is a slow-growing cancer, and most men with prostate cancer will never experience any symptoms. However, some men may experience problems with urination, such as difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine, or a need to urinate more often, especially at night.Opens in a new windowmy.clevelandclinic.orgProstate cancer in men
- Colorectal cancer: This is the second most common cancer in men, accounting for about 1 in 10 cancers diagnosed in men. Colorectal cancer is a cancer of the colon or rectum. The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or a change in the consistency of stool. Other symptoms of colorectal cancer can include blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.Opens in a new windowmy.clevelandclinic.orgColorectal cancer in men
- Lung cancer: This is the third most common cancer in men, accounting for about 1 in 13 cancers diagnosed in men. Lung cancer is a cancer of the lungs. The most common symptom of lung cancer is a cough that doesn’t go away. Other symptoms of lung cancer can include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, or weight loss.Opens in a new windowblog.dana-farber.orgLung cancer in men
- Skin cancer: This is the most common type of cancer overall, and it’s also the most common type of cancer in men. There are many different types of skin cancer, but the most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are usually slow-growing and rarely spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma is a more serious type of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body.hide_imageCan’t find image. Sorry, Bard is experimental.
Causes of Cancer in Men
The exact causes of cancer are not fully understood, but there are a number of factors that can increase the risk of cancer in men. These factors include:
- Age: The risk of cancer increases with age.
- Family history: Men with a family history of cancer are at increased risk of developing cancer themselves.
- Certain genetic mutations: Some men have genetic mutations that increase their risk of developing cancer.
- Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and being overweight or obese, can increase the risk of cancer.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as radiation or certain chemicals, can increase the risk of cancer.
Symptoms of Cancer in Men
The symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer and the stage of the cancer. Some common symptoms of cancer in men include:
- A lump or mass in the body
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Cough
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Hoarseness
- Indigestion
- Numbness or tingling
Treatments for Cancer in Men
The treatment for cancer in men depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and the individual’s overall health. Some common treatments for cancer in men include:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Conclusion
Cancer is a serious disease, but it’s important to remember that there are many effective treatments available. If you’re concerned about cancer, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk and recommend appropriate screening tests.
Resources
- Cancer.org: https://www.cancer.org/
- American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/
- National Cancer Institute: https://www.cancer.gov/
Let’s Talk About Cancer
Cancer is a difficult topic to talk about, but it’s important to have these conversations. If you’re concerned about cancer, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk and recommend appropriate screening tests. You can also talk to your friends and family about cancer. Sharing your concerns can help you feel less alone and more supported.