Cancer in Men

You can get cancer at any age, but it is more common as people get older. The rate of death and incidence of different types of cancer varies among ethnic groups and between men and women.

Cancer of the lung

Cancer of the lung is one of the most common forms of cancer in the US and the leading cause of cancer death. Most men who die from lung cancer are or were cigarette smokers. If you quit smoking, you are less likely to get lung cancer.

To help protect yourself:

• Never ignore a cough that doesn't go away or a cough that brings up blood. Tell your healthcare provider about it.
• If you smoke, quit. Talk to your provider if you need help quitting.

Cancer of the larynx (voice box)

Cancer of the larynx is much more common in men than in women. It occurs mainly in men in their 50s and 60s, often in heavy smokers and heavy drinkers.

• Don't ignore sudden hoarseness or other voice changes. Tell your healthcare provider about it.
• If you smoke or drink heavily, quit. Talk to your provider if you need help quitting.

Cancer of the prostate

Cancer of the prostate is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the US. Most men who get prostate cancer are over age 55. Because it usually grows slowly, older men may die from causes other than their cancer. Still, prostate cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in American men.

• Ask your provider about PSA screening tests for prostate cancer.
• Have an annual physical checkup that includes a rectal exam.

Cancer of the testes

Cancer of the testes, or testicles, affects mainly young and middle-aged men. Men with a history of undescended testicles as boys are at higher risk to develop this cancer.

• Ask your healthcare provider if she or he recommends a monthly testicular self-exam to feel for lumps, swelling, or tenderness.
• See your provider if you notice a lump, swelling, or a tenderness in your testicle. Also see your provider if you have a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin.

Cancer of the colon or rectum

Cancer of the colon or rectum usually strikes men over age 50. Men who have a family history of this cancer or who have had ulcerative colitis or other bowel disease are at greater risk of getting cancer of the colon or rectum.

To help protect yourself:

• Tell your healthcare provider if you have rectal bleeding or a change in your bowel movements, especially if you have bouts of constipation that alternate with bouts of diarrhea.

Skin cancer

Most skin cancers appear after age 50. They are more common in people with blond or red hair, blue eyes, and fair skin that freckles easily. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually from the sun, appears to increase the risk for skin cancers.

To help protect yourself:

• Cover up or apply sunscreen when you are out in the sun.
• Take advantage of any skin cancer screening programs in your area.
• Check your skin regularly for lumps or areas that change in size, shape, or color.

Developed by Ann Carter, MD, for RelayHealth.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.