Dr. Cynthia Chinedu Obiozor, a specialist on oncology and hematology, from California (USA), said that men tend to have long-lasting symptoms and just want to resolve themselves without going to see a doctor.
But there are persistent symptoms, men absolutely must not be ignored.
The following are experts’ revelations about the most common signs of cancer that men often overlook, according to Eat This, Not That.
- Changes in the testicles
If you see one or both testicles with lumps or swelling, seek medical attention immediately. It may not be painful, but it is a sign of testicular cancer.
- A persistent cough
Dr Obizor said, coughing lasting 2 – 4 weeks, especially in smokers, can be a sign of lung cancer, should be examined immediately.
An X-ray does not always find disease. Therefore, if the cough persists, but the X-ray does not detect the disease, it is necessary to have a low-dose CT scan to screen, especially smokers.
But it’s not just smokers who get lung cancer, according to Eat This, Not That.
- Changes in mouth
If there is any lesion in the mouth lasting 1 week or more, a biopsy is needed to rule out cancer, Dr. Obizor said.
Dr. Obizor recommends that, if a wound does not go away, seek immediate medical attention.
- Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
According to Dr. Obizor, gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, constipation, nausea, feeling full quickly or difficult to swallow, if prolonged, are most likely signs of stomach cancer, colon cancer. and pancreatic cancer.
If you have persistent stomach problems, schedule your appointment early.
- Change when defecating
Dr. Jack Jacoub, an oncologist, from MemorialCare Cancer Institute (USA), said that the most common symptoms that men often ignore are pain while defecating, change in habits of bowel movements, and bowel movements. bleeding, feeling full and lumpy.
Get a colonoscopy for hemorrhoids or colorectal cancer, according to Eat This, Not That.
The blood can be bright red or dark red – sometimes like tar, most likely a sign of cancer somewhere along the digestive tract.
- Lose weight
Dr. Jesse P. Houghton, a gastroenterologist in Portsmouth, Ohio (USA), said this symptom that men tend to ignore is the most common symptom of all types of cancer. Seek immediate medical attention if weight loss for no reason.
- There is blood in the urine
This could be a sign of a kidney infection or kidney stone, but it could also be a sign of prostate, bladder, or kidney cancer. Seek medical attention immediately.
- Back pain
Although there are many reasons for back pain, it can also be a sign of multiple myeloma, lung, prostate or kidney cancer, Dr. Obiozor said.
See your doctor to determine the cause.
- Headache does not go away
Most headaches are not cancer. Dr. Santosh Kesari, neuroscientist at the John Wayne Cancer Institute (USA), said if the headache gets worse, lasts longer or differs from common headaches, tell your doctor right away. Eat This, Not That.
- Weakness
A new or persistent feeling of weakness, especially if accompanied by a headache, could be a sign that something is wrong, including brain cancer.
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of tingling or weakness in your extremities.
- Personality changes
The unusual change in personality could be a sign of a tumor in the frontal lobe of the brain, which should be examined as soon as possible, says Dr. Kesari.
- Vision changes
Vision changes, such as blurred vision or double vision, or decreased vision may be a sign of brain tumor, requiring immediate medical attention.
Brain Tumor Charity Organization says that about 28% of brain tumor patients have vision problems, according to Eat This, Not That.
- Difficult urination
If the flow of urine seems little or if you want to urinate but is unable to urinate, it could be caused by a prostate malignancy, says Dr. Obiozor.
An enlarged prostate gland caused by a tumor can compress the urethra, slowing the flow of urine into a trickle. Ignoring this can be fatal.
- Mole Variation
Moles or freckles that are not round or asymmetrical, have a jagged line, change color, or grow, can be malignant.
Men often develop a malignant tumor in the upper body or back.
Take a look at your entire body once a month and check for any changes in shape, line, size or color. If so, get medical attention as soon as possible, according to Eat This, Not That.