15 CANCER SYMPTOMS MEN IGNORE

Experts say that men could benefit greatly by bein galert to certain cancer symptoms that require a trip to the doctor's office sooner rather than later. Routine preventive care can find cancer and other diseases in their early stages. When cancer is found early, there are more options for treatment. That means there are also better chances for a cure. Some cancer symptoms in men are specific. They involve certain body parts and may point directly to the possibility of cancer. Others are vague. But you can't rule cancer out without seeing a doctor.

1. BREAST MASS: If you're like most men, you've probably never considered the possibility of having breast cancer. Although it's not common, it is possible. Any new mass in the breast area needs to be checked out by a physician.

2. PAIN: As they age, people often complain of increasing aches and pains. But pain, as vague as it may be, can be an early symptom of some cancers. Any pain that persists, should be checked out by your physician.

3. CHANGES IN TESTICLES: Testicular cancer occurs most often in men aged 20 to 39. The American Cancer Society recommends that men get a testicular exam by a doctor as part of a routine cancer-related checkup.

4. CHANGES IN LYMPH NODES: If you notice a lump or swelling in the lymph nodes under your armpit or in your neck - or anywhere else - it could be a reason for concern. Your doctor should examine you and determine any associated issues that could explain the lymph node enlargement.

5. FEVER: If you've got an unexplained fever, it may indicate cancer. Fever, though, might also be a sine of some other illness or infection that needs treatment. Check with your doctor to find out what might be causing the fever and to determine its proper treatment.

6. WEIGHT LOSS WITHOUT TRYING: Unexpected weight loss is a concern. If a man loses more than 10% of his body weight in a time period of 3-6 months, it's time to see the doctor.

7. GNAWING ABDOMINAL PAIN AND DEPRESSION: Any man who's got pain in the abdomen and is feeling depressed needs a checkup. Experts have found a link between depression and pancreatic cancer. Other symptoms may include jaundice, a change in stool color, a darkening of the urine, and itching over the whole body may also occur.

8. FATIGUE: Fatigue is another vague symptom that could point to cancer in men. Many other problems could cause fatigue as well. If you feel extremely tired and you don't get better with rest, check with your doctor.

9. PERSISTENT COUGH: Coughs are expected, of course, with colds, the flu, and allergies. A very prolonged cough, lasting more than three or four weeks, or a change in a cough should not be ignored. Those cough patterns warrant a visit to the doctor.

10. DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING: Some men may report trouble swallowing, but then ignore it. Swallowing difficulties may be a sign of GI cancer. Let your doctor know if you are having trouble swallowing.

11. CHANGES IN THE SKIN: You should be alert to not only changes in moles, but also changes in skin pigmentation. Suddenly developing bleeding on your skin or excessive scaling are reasons to check with your doctor. Do not wait longer than several weeks after noticing skin changes.

12. BLOOD WHERE IT SHOULDN'T BE: Anytime you see blood coming from a body part where you've never seen it before, you should see a doctor.

13. MOUTH CHANGES: If you smoke or chew tobacco, you need to be especially alert for any white patches inside your mouth or white spots on your tongue. You should report the changes to your doctor or dentist.

14. URINARY PROBLEMS: As men age, urinary problems become more frequent. Those problems include the following: The urge to urinate more often, especially at night. A sense of urgency. A feeling of not completely emptying the bladder. An inability to start the urine stream. Urine leaking when laughing or coughing. A weakening of the urine stream. Every man will develop these problems as he gets older, but once you notice these symptoms, you should seek medical attention.

15. INDIGESTION: Many men, especially as they get older, think "heart attack" when they get bad indigestion. Persistent indigestion may point to cancer of the esophagus, throat, or stomach. Persistent or worsening indigestion should be reported to your doctor.

source: www.webmd.com