15 CANCER SYMPTOMS MEN IGNORE

Experts say that men could benefit greatly by being alert to certain cancer symptoms that require a trip to the doctor's office sooner rather than later. But when it comes to scheduling doctor visits, men are notorious foot-draggers. In fact, some men, would never go to the doctor if it weren't for the women in their life. That's unfortunate. Routine preventive care can find cancer and other diseases intheir early stages. When cancer is found early, there are more options for treatment. That means there are also better chances for a cure. Here are 15 symptoms that men ignore:

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 of a man 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. Most pain complaints, though, are not from cancer. Any pain that persists should be checked out by your physician.

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

3. CHANGES IN THE TESTICLES CONTINUED...Any change in the size of the testicles, such as growth or shrinkage, should be a concern. In addition, any swelling, lump, or feeling of heaviness in the scrotum should not be ignored. Some testicular cancers occur very quickly. So early detection is especially crucial.

4. CHANGES IN THE 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, such as infection. If there is no infection, a doctor will typically order a biopsy.

5. FEVER: If you've got an unexplained fever, it may indicate cancer. Fever, though, might also be a sign of pneumonia or some other illness or infection that needs treatment. Most cancers will cause fever at some point. Often, fever occurs after the cancer has spread from its original site and invaded another part of the body.

6. WEIGHT LOSS WITHOUT TRYING: Unexpected weight loss is a concern. Most of us don't lose weight easily. If a man loses more thatn 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 (or woman) who's got a pain in the abdomen and is feeling depressed needs a checkup. Experts have found a link between depression and pancreatic cancer. Other symptoms of pancreas cancer may include jaundic, a change in stool color - often gray - a darkening of the urine. 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. Like fever, fatigue can set in after the cancer has grown. If you often 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. They are also sometimes a side effect of a medication. A very prolonged cough - defined as lasting more than 3-4 weeks - or a change in 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. Over time, they change their diet to a more liquid diet. Swallowing difficulties may be a sign of a GI cancer, such as cancer of the esophagus.

11. CHANGES IN THE SKIN: You should be alert to not only changes in moles - a well-known sign of potential skin cancer - but also changes in skin pigmentation. Suddenly developing bleeding on your skin or excessive scaling are reasons to check with your doctor.

12. BLOOD WHERE IT SHOULDN'T BE: Anytime you see blood coming from a body part where you've never seen it before, see a doctor. If you start coughing up blood, spitting up blood, have blood in the bowel or in the urine, it's time for a doctor visit.

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. Those changes may indicate leukoplakia, a pre-cancerous area that can occur with ongoing irritation. This condition can progress to oral cancer. 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 tourinate mor 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...especially if the the symptoms get worse.

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