To Your Health: Cancer symptoms men should not ignore

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All men starting at age 50 should talk to their doctor about pros and cons of testing so you can decide if getting tested is the right choice for you. | File Photo

Updated: February 19, 2012 8:11AM

Anyone can develop cancer.

Since the risk of being diagnosed with cancer increases with age, most cases occur in adults who are middle age or older.

In 2001, an estimated 822,000 men were diagnosed with cancer and more than 300,000 men died from cancer in the United States. Cancer incidence rates show that men are more commonly diagnosed with cancer than women. For men, the highest diagnosed cancer in Illinois and nationwide is prostate cancer, however the highest death rate is lung cancer.

Other common cancers for men include colorectal, urinary bladder, kidney and renal pelvis, melanoma, leukemia, oral cavity, non-hodgkins lymphoma and pancreas.

Recent reports from the National Cancer Institute estimate that approximately 11.7 million Americans with a history of cancer are alive today. Some people were cancer-free, while others still have evidence of cancer but are living longer with cancer.

The five-year survival rate for all cancer diagnosed between 1999 and 2006 is 68 percent, up from 50 percent between 1975 and 1977. The improvement in survival reflects progress in diagnosing certain cancer at an earlier stage and improvements in treatment.

While early detection of some cancers is possible, it is important to realize that not all cancers have a screening test that can detect cancer at the earliest possible stages. Identified symptoms should not be ignored but rather brought to the attention of a doctor as soon as possible. They include:

♦ Unusual tenderness in any area, such as a thickening, swelling, skin irritation, redness or discharge, swollen lymph nodes or skin itching.

♦ Unusual bleeding, in the stool, urine, nose or mouth.

♦ Changes in bowel habits or cramping in the lower abdomen.

♦ Pain in the abdomen.

♦ Urination changes with signs of blood, pain or difficulty passing urine.

♦ Unexplained fatigue, bruising, weight loss or fever.

♦ Swelling in the legs and ankles.

♦ Jaundice (yellowness) or paleness of the skin.

♦ Loss of appetite.

♦ Persistent cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, voice change or recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis.

♦ Changes in size, shape or color of a mole or other skin lesion or appearance of a new growth on the skin.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men make an informed decision with their doctor about benefits and risks of early detection of cancer.

All men starting at age 50 should talk to their doctor about pros and cons of testing so you can decide if getting tested is the right choice for you. If you are African-American or have a father or brother who had cancer before 65, you should have this talk with your doctor before age 45.

Take control of your health and reduce your cancer risk:

♦ By staying away from tobacco.

♦ Maintaining a healthy weight.

♦ Get moving with regular physical activity.

♦ Eat healthy with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

♦ Limit how much alcohol you drink.

♦ Protect your skin.

♦ Know yourself, your family history and your risks.

♦ Have regular checkups.

More information from the American Cancer Society regarding cancer screenings, symptoms or patient support is at (800) 227-2345 or cancer.org.