10 cancer symptoms men shouldn't ignore
6 Cancer Warning Signs Your Doctor Wants You To Know
Finding cancer early can make all the difference between a challenging but successful treatment journey and a devastating outcome. Medical experts consistently emphasize that recognizing subtle warning signs and maintaining regular screening schedules often leads to less aggressive treatments and significantly better recovery experiences.
The life-saving importance of breast awareness"Most breast cancers are first discovered through changes women notice themselves," explains oncologist Dr. Sarah Martinez. "Monthly self-examinations save lives by identifying changes that might otherwise go undetected between clinical screenings."
The warning signs extend beyond the commonly known lump. Subtle changes in breast contour, dimpling of skin similar to orange peel texture, unusual nipple discharge, or newly inverted nipples all warrant prompt medical evaluation. Even persistent redness or warmth in breast tissue could indicate inflammatory breast cancer, a rare but aggressive form requiring immediate attention.
For those with dense breast tissue—which can make mammogram interpretation more challenging—additional screening methods like ultrasound or MRI might provide more comprehensive protection. Understanding your personal risk factors, particularly family history of breast or ovarian cancer, helps determine whether enhanced screening protocols might benefit you.
The hidden danger that develops without symptomsRecent guidelines now suggest beginning regular screening at age 45 for average-risk individuals—five years earlier than previous recommendations. This change reflects concerning increases in colorectal cancer rates among younger adults who might otherwise miss early detection opportunities.
While colonoscopy remains the gold standard screening method—allowing doctors to both detect and remove precancerous polyps in a single procedure—alternative options like at-home stool DNA tests provide accessible starting points for those hesitant about invasive procedures.
Changes in bowel habits persisting beyond a few weeks deserve medical attention, particularly narrowing of stool diameter, alternating constipation and diarrhea, or unexplained urges to have bowel movements when none occur. Blood in stool—whether bright red or dark, making stool appear tar-like—always requires prompt evaluation, as does unexplained weight loss or persistent abdominal discomfort.
The men's health issue that responds remarkably to early detectionRegular screening typically involves two complementary approaches: the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal examination. Together, these methods help identify potential concerns before symptoms develop, when treatment success rates reach nearly 100 percent for localized disease.
Early warning signs that should never be ignored include difficulty starting urination, weak flow, frequent urination (particularly at night), blood in urine or semen, or discomfort in the pelvic region. Some men also experience painful ejaculation or unexpected erectile dysfunction as early indicators of prostate issues.
"The conversation about prostate screening should begin around age 45, or earlier for Black men and those with family history," advises urologist Dr. James Wilson. "While not every elevated PSA indicates cancer, this simple blood test serves as an important early warning system."
The respiratory symptoms that shouldn't be dismissedLow-dose CT screening now offers hope for earlier detection in high-risk individuals, potentially reducing lung cancer mortality by 20 percent or more when implemented appropriately. Those with significant smoking history should discuss this screening option with their healthcare providers.
Respiratory symptoms deserving immediate attention include cough that persists beyond three weeks or changes in character, recurring respiratory infections, persistent chest pain unrelated to physical activity, and unexplained shortness of breath. Coughing up blood—even small amounts—always requires prompt medical evaluation.
Less obvious warning signs include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, or hoarseness lasting beyond two weeks. While these symptoms often relate to less serious conditions, ruling out lung cancer ensures appropriate treatment isn't delayed if needed.
The visible warning signs on your skin's surfaceBasal cell carcinoma—the most common but least dangerous form—typically appears as pearly or waxy bumps, flat flesh-colored lesions, or brown scars that develop without apparent cause. Squamous cell carcinoma often presents as rough, scaly patches or raised growths with central depression, sometimes with crusting or bleeding.
Melanoma, the most dangerous form, requires particular vigilance, with warning signs captured in the "ABCDE" method developed by dermatologists:
Asymmetry: One half differs from the other half
Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges
Color: Variations from one area to another, including different shades of brown, black, or tan, with possible areas of red, white, or blue
Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser (though early melanomas may be smaller)
Evolving: Changing in size, shape, color, or elevation, or developing new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting
Monthly self-examination helps identify concerning changes, particularly in areas frequently exposed to sun. Regular professional skin checks provide additional protection, especially for those with fair skin, history of significant sun exposure, or family history of skin cancer.
The cancer made nearly obsolete through screeningThe Pap test has served as the cornerstone of cervical cancer screening for decades, identifying cellular abnormalities that might eventually progress to cancer if left untreated. More recently, HPV testing has enhanced screening accuracy by identifying high-risk viral strains responsible for most cervical cancers.
Symptoms warranting immediate medical attention include bleeding between periods, unusually heavy periods, bleeding after intercourse, pelvic pain, or unusual vaginal discharge. These signs don't necessarily indicate cancer but require prompt evaluation to identify the cause.
"The combination of regular screening and HPV vaccination now provides nearly complete protection against this once-common cancer," explains gynecologic oncologist Dr. Elena Rodriguez. "We're watching cervical cancer rates plummet in populations with strong screening programs and vaccination uptake."
Transforming knowledge into life-saving actionUnderstanding these warning signs provides valuable protection, but knowledge alone isn't enough. Taking concrete steps to implement regular screening schedules appropriate for your age, gender, and risk factors creates comprehensive defense against late-stage cancer diagnosis.
Creating calendar reminders for routine screenings, establishing relationships with primary care providers who track screening schedules, and promptly investigating concerning symptoms all contribute to early detection. Equally important is addressing barriers that might prevent timely care, whether related to insurance coverage, transportation challenges, or anxiety about potential findings.
While cancer screening discussions typically focus on physical symptoms, emotional responses—particularly fear—often prevent people from seeking timely evaluation. Recognizing that brief discomfort during screening procedures or temporary anxiety while awaiting results represents a small price for potentially life-saving early detection helps overcome these barriers.
The revolutionary impact of early interventionThe statistics surrounding early cancer detection tell a compelling story across all cancer types. Stage 1 breast cancer carries a five-year survival rate exceeding 98 percent, compared to just 27 percent for stage 4 disease. Similar patterns exist for colorectal, lung, and other common cancers.
Beyond survival statistics, early detection dramatically impacts quality of life during treatment. Localized cancers typically require less aggressive interventions—often avoiding chemotherapy entirely or reducing radiation fields to minimize side effects. Surgical procedures for early-stage disease generally prove less extensive, better preserving normal tissue function and appearance.
The financial impact also deserves consideration, with early-stage cancer treatment typically costing significantly less than managing advanced disease. This economic reality makes cancer screening not only medically sound but financially prudent from both personal and healthcare system perspectives.
By recognizing warning signs, maintaining appropriate screening schedules, and promptly addressing concerning symptoms, you create powerful protection against advanced cancer diagnosis—potentially saving your own life or helping loved ones access timely, effective treatment when it matters most.
14 Subtle Signs You Might Have Cancer, Including Feeling Full And Having A Pesky Cough
1. Fatigue Pay attention to persistent fatigue that you can't easily explain. Photographee.Eu/Shutterstock
Both Bonta and Meyers listed fatigue — tiredness that doesn't get better with rest — as a cancer symptom that's easy to miss.
This can include insomnia (feeling tired but being unable to sleep), sleeping more than usual without feeling rested, or a general sense of lethargy or lack of energy.
"When you have fatigue, my recommendation is do a little bit of analysis," Bonta said. There could be any easy explanation — maybe you've been sleeping poorly or recently started a new medication.
"But if all the other things are in order and this is a new symptom for you, then I'd be worried about it," Bonta said.
2. Skin bumps Skin cancer can look innocuous. IStock
"One thing that's often overlooked are skin cancers and skin lesions," Meyers said. "Skin cancers don't necessarily look ugly and scary. They sometimes can look like just little raised pink growths."
Melanomas — the most deadly type of skin cancer — aren't necessarily pigmented, she added. They can also occur in odd places in the body, including under your fingernails and toenails.
"For skin cancer we have to know our own skin and see if there's any change," Bonta added. Here's a simple guide to skin checks from the American Cancer Society.
A wound that won't heal is another potential sign of skin cancer, dermatologist Dr. Allison Arthur previously explained to Insider.
"A common story that my patients will tell me is, 'I have this sore, I thought it was a pimple, it bled, and then I thought it was going away but then it bled again,'" she said.
3. Feeling full really quickly Feeling full after just a few bites? It might be worth seeing your doctor if the feeling persists. Flickr/Rachel Hathaway
Ovarian cancer can be tough to catch in its early stages. One possible symptom might be early satiety, Bonta said. That's when you feel full after eating only small amounts of food.
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition has a complete list of possible signs and symptoms women should know about.
And it's related to other symptoms such as ...
4. Poor appetite A decrease in appetite may sometimes be worrisome. TeoLazarev/Getty Images
Meyers said poor appetite can sometimes be a cancer symptom. It may signal colon cancer, ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, or pancreatic cancer, or even lung cancer, according to Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
This can be related to other symptoms such as pain, which can make it difficult to eat. But cancer also releases chemicals into the body that can mess with your metabolism.
5. Unexplained weight loss Watch out for dropping weight. Paul Velgos/Shutterstock
Bonta said that unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of cancer. If you drop 10 pounds or more without trying to, it's worth calling your doctor.
The ACS says unexplained weight loss happens most often pancreatic, stomach, esophageal, and lung cancers.
It can also be a symptom of several types of blood cancer, which are among the more difficult cancers to spot, according to a new UK campaign called "Make Blood Cancer Visible."
7. Bloating Bloating or a swollen stomach can be a warning sign, especially combined with other symptoms. Wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock
People with ovarian cancer may also experience bloating or a swelling stomach, Bonta said.
"If a woman reports pelvic or abdominal pain, increased abdominal size, bloating, difficulty eating, or feeling full quickly — and if the symptoms are new within the past year and if they occur more than 12 times per month — it's a red flag."
8. Fever It's not common, but fever may be an early sign of certain blood cancers. Marco Verch/Flickr
Bonta said that fever is sometimes a cancer symptom. Most often, it's a sign that a cancer has spread to a different part of the body than where it started, but it can be an early symptom of blood cancers leukemia or lymphoma, according to the ACS.
A temperature of more than 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit is concerning, especially if it persists for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by shaking or chills.
9. Night sweats Waking up soaked in sweat can be a red flag. Demaerre/Getty Images
Excessive sweating after bedtime can be a sign that something's going on with your health, especially if the weather doesn't warrant it.
Night sweats can indicate lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. However, it's usually accompanied by other symptoms on this list like fever, fatigue, and weight loss.
10. Persistent hoarseness or coughing If your cough or sore throat lasts more than three to four weeks, check with a doctor. AaronAmat/ iStock
Plenty of common, noncancerous ailments can cause a cough or hoarseness, from allergies to respiratory infections.
But if you lose your voice for longer than three or four weeks, that may be an early symptom of throat cancer, according to Cancer Research UK. Other signs to watch out for include shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing.
11. Pain Mysterious, long-lasting pains could signal a problem. Koldunova Anna/Shutterstock
"Any pain that's out of proportion with your activity is a red flag," Bonta said. "If I go to the gym today and I pull a muscle, I have a reason for pain. But if I have leg pain, I don't remember injuring my leg, it doesn't go away, and three days later I still have to take pain medication, that's a problem."
Unexplained pain can be an early warning sign of a variety of cancers depending on where it is in the body, according to ACS. A persistent, untreatable headache could be a symptom of brain cancer. Back pain may indicate colon cancer, rectum cancer, or ovarian cancer. General pain, without an obvious cause, is sometimes a symptom of bone cancers or testicular cancer.
12. Anemia A low red blood cell count could indicate colorectal cancer. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
People with anemia don't have enough healthy, normal red blood cells. Iron-deficiency anemia — the most common type, according to the Mayo Clinic — can occur because of blood loss.
Bonta said some iron deficiency anemia is easily explained — it can happen to women with heavy periods, for example. But unexplained iron deficiency anemia may be a "red flag" for cancer in the colon or rectum, she added.
The ACS explains that some colorectal cancers, as they're often called, can bleed into the intestine. Over time that loss of blood may lead to anemia, and the blood may not always be visible or noticeable in the stool. In fact, the ACS says, a blood test that reveals a low red blood cell count is sometimes the first sign of a colorectal cancer.
13. Changes when you go to the bathroom Keep tabs on what's normal for your urinary and bowel habits. Buckeye Sailboat/Shutterstock
Changes in bowel movements or urine can be signs of a few different cancers.
Blood in the stool is never a good sign, especially if there's not an obvious cause. It signify stomach cancer or colorectal cancers. Other changes in bowel movements, like diarrhea or constipation that last more than a few days, can also be signs of colorectal cancer, the ACS explains.
Bonta said that in men, symptoms like blood in the urine, needing to pee freqeuntly at night, sudden urges to urinate, or a weak stream of urine could indicate prostate cancer.
In women, urinary frequency and urgency can be signs of ovarian cancer, according to the ACS.
And in all people, certain urinary changes may also be symptoms of kidney and bladder cancers, the ACS says. So it pays to be alert and notice when there's a long-lasting change in your normal bathroom habits.
14. Skin or eye yellowing MediaProduction/Getty Images
Jaundice — or the yellowing of your skin or eyes — is most commonly the first sign of pancreatic cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
The yellowing of the skin is caused by a build-up of bilirubin, which is made in the liver and typically is released to the intestines from the pancreas through the common bile duct where it helps break down fats during digestion.
Pancreatic cancer can compromise the common bile duct and cause bilirubin to build up in the bloodstream, leading to the yellowing. Liver cancer can also cause jaundice.
Dark urine, light-colored stool, and itchy skin are other symptoms of jaundice to watch out for aside from the yellowing of skin.
Remember: Don't panic. Not every one of these symptoms is a surefire sign of cancer. Joe Raedel/Getty
Not every symptom indicates cancer, and not every symptom warrants a battery of tests. Both Meyers and Bonta stressed that unnecessary testing can actually be harmful.
"The financial costs and psychological costs can be very high," Bonta said. "Talk to any patient who ever had a biopsy about what you're going through psychologically while you're waiting for it and while you're having it."
Some testing and screening procedures have risks or complications, too. CT scans, for example, expose your body to radiation. A doctor will know when a scan, biopsy, or other test is truly going to be more helpful than harmful.
"I think, in general, we don't want people to panic," Meyers said. "Give [a symptom] a little time to see if it goes away. If it doesn't, then have it investigated."
Read more about the signs and symptoms of cancer at the American Cancer Society.
Subtle Signs Of Breast Cancer: What To Watch Out For
A new national survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) found that most women are unaware of the unusual symptoms of a particularly aggressive and deadly form of the disease known as inflammatory breast cancer.
The survey – which was conducted online among 1,100 U.S women ages 18 and older – revealed that while 4 in 5 women (78%) recognize a lump in the breast as a sign of breast cancer, less than half of women would flag redness of the breast (44%), pitting/thickening of the skin (44%), or one breast feeling warmer or heavier than the other (34%) as possible symptoms of breast cancer.
The disease can occur in any part of the breast and in any molecular sub-form of the disease. It is often misdiagnosed because it mimics symptoms similar to a breast infection. Those signs include:
● an orange peel-like texture or dimpling of skin;
● feeling of heaviness;
● tightening of the skin;
● engorgement of the breast; and
● infection-like redness.
"Women should know that radical changes to the breast are not normal, and breast self-exams are still very important. Some 50% of inflammatory breast cancers are diagnosed as stage 4 disease," said Dr. Ko Un Park, a surgical oncologist who leads a new Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program at the OSUCCC – James' Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center. "It is important for women to recognize changes in both the appearance and feel of their breasts so that changes can be discussed quickly with a physician."
She notes that even in the medical community, physicians and providers are not accustomed to thinking about a red breast as a sign associated with inflammatory breast cancer because it is such a rare disease.
"Although inflammatory breast cancer only represents 1% to 5% of all breast cancers in the United States, it is a sneaky disease and challenging to diagnose. It is critical that clinicians have a high level of familiarity with its subtle signs and be prepared to take immediate action to avoid belated diagnosis," Dr. Park said.
Inflammatory breast cancer clinic launchedWith leadership from Park and breast radiologist Dr. Amy Kerger, the OSUCCC – James has created an inflammatory breast cancer multidisciplinary team that includes surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, as well as breast radiologists, plastic/reconstructive surgeons, physical therapists and nurses. The effort has led to implementation of a formal best-practice clinical decision tree to help the OSUCCC – James medical team triage and rapidly respond to potential inflammatory breast cancer cases.
"Our goal is to push these patients to the front of the line, rapidly mobilizing a treatment plan so that therapy can begin as soon as possible," Dr. Park said. The team is working with primary care and obstetricians/gynecologists to bring more awareness of this disease and the nuances of diagnosing and treating it.
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