Early diagnosis and treatment can mean a better chance of successful recovery. As the cancer or tumors grow, a variety of symptoms can occur, glandular changes that may signal the cancer’s presence and the development of cancer related with certain genes that are passed from one generation to the next. Primary care clinicians see many men with lethal and non-lethal prostate cancer. More lethal prostate cancers have a higher likelihood of causing symptoms and are diagnosed in men who are frequently younger and healthier. If a man is experiencing any of the above symptoms, he should see his urologist. Symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer may include bone pain, weight loss and fatigue. Prostate health problems are very common and affect many men as they get older. Advertisements for prostate cancer awareness and testing constantly make the rounds. It’s difficult for men to know what is good advice and not panic about deaths from cancer that could have been prevented with earlier diagnosis. As men get older, the probability of having prostate cancer increases. Between 60 and 79 years of age, it becomes more common.
Importance of Recognizing Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of cancer can be either local or general. Local symptoms are the ones restricted to the specific part of the body where the cancer is present; for example, if the cancer is in the lung, it may produce a cough or shortness of breath. If the cancer is in the colon, it may cause rectal bleeding. On the other hand, general symptoms are seen in many cancers and is generally an onset of disease. These symptoms may include: unexplained weight loss, fever, being excessively tired, changes to the skin, or to the way the bowel or bladder functions. Since cancer symptoms can overlap with a wide variety of other physical and mental conditions, the best way for males to recognize the cancer symptoms is to get them checked out by a healthcare giver without delaying. Early detection of a certain cancer type means early treatment and better treatment outcome. For example, testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers if diagnosed in an early stage and treated. In addition, living a healthy lifestyle can assist in preventing the vast majority of cancers. It is believed that up to 70% of known causes of cancers are avoidable and related to lifestyle. For males, common types of preventable cancers are lung, prostate, colorectal, oral cavity, and throat. We can reduce the risk of cancer by making some changes in our everyday life, such as quitting smoking and avoiding passive smoking, protecting skin from the sun, taking more exercises, having a balanced diet, and reducing alcohol intake. However, it is important to bear in mind that since the steps only help to reduce the risk but do not guarantee completely preventing the development of cancer. You might still develop the disease due to other factors that you cannot change. For those who have already been diagnosed with cancer, knowing the importance of recognizing the cancer symptoms can even make a bigger difference. This is because the disease might take a recurrent pattern, and recognizing the recurrent pattern can allow earlier discovery of a secondary cancer, which may have more effective treatment. On the other hand, the symptoms related to metastases may appear, and by understanding the cancer symptoms, appropriate management can be sought without delays. Thus, it can increase the probable health outcomes. Early detection of cancer may also mean early treatment and is always the best course of action. With many cancers developing silently without showing any signs or symptoms, only screening can detect the diseases before the symptoms develop. This is especially important for bowel cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer. Studies have shown that regular screening of these common types of cancers in males can increase the chances of detecting the cancers at an early stage and hence increase the chances of successful treatment. However, there are ethical considerations of the need for seeking an asymptomatic diagnosis through screening tests. On the other hand, there are also common arguments against screening, such as the unpleasantness of the tests and potential side effects when the treatments are not necessary.
Common Types of Cancer in Males
In the next section, the importance of recognizing cancer symptoms and the general symptoms of cancer are discussed. However, it is crucial to bear in mind that men of any age can get cancer, even breast cancer as well. The introductory section aims to highlight the key idea that recognizing cancer symptoms and undergoing tests for diagnosis are crucial for early detection and hence treatment. These tests include imaging procedures, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computed tomography) scans, as well as endoscopy, a procedure where the doctor looks inside the body for example the colorectal area with a special instrument. These tests can help to diagnose cancer and determine where exactly the cancer is located and how much it has spread. The next section will discuss the features of certain cancer in males and what to look for in terms of the symptoms of those specific cancers.
Colorectal cancer, as the name suggests, refers to cancer that begins in the colon or the rectum. It usually comes from polyps, which are small growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Colorectal cancer mainly affects older adults, and the risk of getting this cancer increases with age. Over six out of 10 cases of colorectal cancer occur in people older than 65. The most common symptoms of colorectal cancer include changes in the bowel habits like diarrhea or constipation and in the consistency of the stool for more than a few weeks, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, and abdominal pain, especially if it is a new thing. However, nowadays doctors believe that the key to discover colorectal cancer early is to be proactive and commence screening even when there is no symptom. There are different ways to screen for colorectal cancer, and the common ones include stool-based tests, such as the fecal immunochemical test and the guaiac-based fecal occult blood test. Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy are visual exams which are more invasive but can help to identify polyps or cancer in the rectum and the entire colon. On the other hand, the CT colonography is a less invasive option, where it utilizes X-rays and computers to produce images of the entire colon.
Next, lung cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. It is a more invasive type of cancer, meaning that it can spread and become life-threatening. There are many different types of lung cancer, which grow and spread in different ways. The most common ones are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. The symptoms of lung cancer include persistent cough, coughing up blood, persistent breathlessness, unexplained tiredness and weight loss, and an ache or pain when breathing or coughing.
Now let’s focus on the specific types of cancer that commonly affect males. There are different types of prostate cancers, but prostate adenocarcinoma is the most common form. The word “adeno” means that the cancer developed from the gland cells. Therefore, this type of cancer originates from the glandular tissue, which makes the fluid part of the semen. This cancer mainly affects elderly men and is rare in men under 50 years of age. The symptoms of prostate cancer include pain in the bones and pelvic area, as well as problems with urination and sexual performance. Prostate cancer might spread to the spine and compress the spinal cord, causing weakness in the legs and urinary and bowel problems. If it spreads to the pelvic bones, it can cause bone pain in the lower back.
General Symptoms
Cancer can cause many different symptoms, so it is important to pay attention to any changes in one’s body. Men who suspect that they might be experiencing some potential symptoms of cancer are often advised to focus on any general symptoms they might encounter since these symptoms can be experienced in various different types of cancer. There are four common general symptoms commonly associated with cancer. Unexplained weight loss can occur when a person is not trying to lose weight or dieting. As a general rule, losing more than 10% of the body weight over a period of 3 months is considered to be significant. Weight loss appears to occur in different types of cancer, including lung, stomach, pancreas, and esophagus. Persistent fatigue or weakness could be a symptom of cancer in some cases. For example, in prostate cancer, dissemination to the bones can cause bone marrow involvement and anemia, which can lead to fatigue. Pain might occur in any general symptoms they might encounter since these symptoms can be experienced in various different types of cancer. Also, the pain is often caused by the pressure of a tumor on the surrounding body part or the body putting pressure on cancer-afflicted area. Fatigue may also be experienced as a part of the body’s natural response to the abnormal cells. When skin cells are deprived of nutrients and oxygen carried in the bloodstream, other organs may stop working properly and problematic buildup of waste material could begin in the bloodstream. This could result in periodic crashes of the immune system and cause overall weakness in the body. For example, with skin cancer, where the outer skin cells are developing abnormally, the body may shut down many normal processes in an attempt to keep these problem cells at bay. Every type of cancer may cause different symptom and there can be different reasons for experiencing fatigue or weakness. However, it is important to seek medical advice if fatigue or weakness persists for a long period of time.
Unexplained Weight Loss
When it comes to unexplained weight loss in males, it is important to look for rapid and drastic weight loss. This is because while a man’s average weight can vary, high weight loss in a short amount of time is not normal. There could be many reasons why a male is suffering unexplained weight loss. It doesn’t necessarily mean that he has cancer. However, if his weight loss is significant and has no known cause, he should always see his doctor straight away. There are many health conditions that can cause weight loss, some more serious than others. Cancer can cause different symptoms, some more noticeable than others. However, usually any type of cancer may cause weight loss. You may not feel like eating food because you feel sick to your stomach or get full quickly. Cancer cells can also use up a lot of your energy so that you lose a lot of weight. Also, if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, they can block the lymph system. This might lead to a build up of fluid that can cause unexplained weight loss. If he is rapidly losing a lot of weight, it is very crucial to get doctor’s advice. He may examine you, organize some tests and refer you to a specialist clinic. Be sure to inform him if you are on any tablets or if you are taking any complementary or alternative therapies such as herbal remedies. Also, some tests are like blood test, urine tests, stool (poop) sample tests etc. He may use that to help find out what the problem is. If all of these do not show what might be causing your symptoms, he may have to use other tests. These could be scans or ultrasound. Ultrasounds use sound waves and a computer to create images of the inside of the body. It is not painful and it does not take very long. This highlights that unexplained weight loss could be a red flag for cancer in males. However, always remember that weight loss is just one possible symptom of cancer. There are many other causes which are more likely to be responsible. So finding a cause for his loss is important and he should not wait to see if he feels better with time. Always ask the doctor to explain anything that he does not understand and to write down the main points if he finds it helpful. He should also ask about the effects of the tests.
Fatigue and Weakness
“Fatigue” is defined as having no energy and feeling tired or exhausted all of the time. People with cancer might feel this way because of the emotional strain of dealing with the illness. But, fatigue can also be a symptom of the cancer itself or a side effect of the treatment. It is important for health care providers to check for the cause of the fatigue. They might find that the person is anemic, or that there is a tumor causing a change in the way the body is functioning. It might be that the person’s body is using a lot of energy to mend itself. Other sleep disturbances, such as difficulty in getting to sleep or staying asleep during the night, can also contribute to fatigue. This means that people can suffer because the fatigue keeps them from getting the rest they need to regain strength. It is important to find out the cause of the fatigue so that the right treatment can be given. This will help the person to cope better with his illness and make his time more meaningful. On the other hand, it is important for the person to tell his health care provider how the fatigue is affecting him. By describing his symptoms, a health care provider can more easily find the cause of the problem and offer the right support. Also, the health care provider can help the person to alter his daily routine, suggest when he should do things and when he should rest, and teach him how to manage his fatigue. Letting the health care provider know about his concerns can open the way to getting the right help. There are various ways in which fatigue can be managed. Learning to balance activity and rest is very important. This might mean allowing oneself to rest more during the day, or it might mean taking steps to make sure that one sleeps better during the night. Establishing a good daily routine, such as eating meals at set times and being active when the person feels most energetic, can also help. By considering all these different aspects, the person will be able to take control of his life again and become more independent. But to do this, he needs to share his feelings with his health care provider and accept help when it is offered. He needs to have confidence that by making the most of his time, he can make every day worthwhile.
Persistent Pain
Most of us have experienced bodily pain, whether it’s a simple headache or chronic backache. However, the term “pain” is more than just a physical sensation. It is an important symptom that can help your healthcare professional diagnose and treat your condition. As one of the general symptoms of cancer, persistent pain can be caused by a variety of factors and affects different locations in the body. There are two main types: acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain is a normal sensation that signals something is wrong in the body. The sudden onset of pain, such as sharp, shooting pain or a red-hot poker type of pain, indicates to your body that an injury has occurred. Although acute pain associated with trauma or surgery is inevitable and may last for a certain period of time, it will resolve as the injured tissue heals. On the other hand, chronic pain is a persistent pain, and it lingers for weeks, months, or even years. The initial injury, however, may have healed, continuous pain signals to the central nervous system have no function, or they can be dysfunctional. Chronic pain is a complex experience that affects the physical as well as the emotional and mental wellbeing of an individual. Because cancer is capable of invading and destroying the tissue and organs surrounding the affected area, tumors can press on nerves, bones or other organs in the body, causing pain. In addition to physical factors, cancer pain may be affected by the emotional and psychological responses that are commonly present in cancer patients, such as anxiety, depression, and fear of the future. Persistent pain may be quite discomforting, and it usually limits the overall physical activity and can lead to withdrawal from social interactions and cherished activities. However, just imaging the frustration w.
Changes in the Skin
The skin is the body’s largest organ, so it’s important to pay attention to any changes in its appearance or texture. If cancer is present, a change in the skin, such as darkening, yellowing, itching, or redness, may often be the first sign. Other potential signs of skin cancer include sores that do not heal, changes to existing moles, or the appearance of new spots on the skin. In addition to skin cancer, other cancers can cause signs and symptoms that present on the skin. For instance, men who are suffering from a rare cancer called breast cancer may find changes in the skin of the chest, where this cancer is usually located. On the other hand, in a type of cancer called penile cancer, the male sex organ and the skin around it would be affected. As a result, warning signs of penile cancer include red spots, sores that may bleed or develop a crust or a change in the skin’s color. However, it is noteworthy that the skin problems are often not caused by cancer. For example, itchy or dry skin is common and can be caused by many things. The potential signs of skin cancer always appear to be harmless and not specific, so it is difficult to make a diagnosis by just judging the outward appearance. Also, as men age, most growths, lumps, and discolorations found in the skin are harmless. However, skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer. If skin changes are a result of cancer, early detection and treatment can make a difference in successful treatment. If men notice any persistent changes to their skin that are not explained by the normal process of aging or a trip to the beach, it turns out to be a good habit and necessary to see a healthcare professional. It is highly recommended to consult the doctor early and not to wait until the symptoms become worse. By undergoing screening, diagnostic tests, and regular skin examination, men can better safeguard against the potential risk and get the best treatment in case that skin cancer is diagnosed.
Specific Symptoms by Type of Cancer
Early stages cancer may not have any symptoms and are usually detected by screening tests. Patients are encouraged to consult with their healthcare professional if they have any continuing symptoms or symptoms that are causing concern. Symptoms expressed in this article can also be caused by a different condition and do not necessarily mean you have the disease. A physical examination, imaging tests, and a biopsy are usual methods for diagnosing cancer. Biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for examination under a microscope. The article concludes by stressing the importance of seeking medical attention particularly for early detection and suggests consulting a healthcare professional for screening and diagnostic tests.
Colorectal cancer: The most common symptom of colon cancer is blood in the stool. Sometimes this is not visible to the naked eye, and an occult blood test is required. Other symptoms include a change in bowel habit that persists for more than six weeks, such as diarrhea or constipation and unexplained weight loss. For rectal tumors, there might be rectal bleeding or blood in the stool and a feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely after a bowel movement. Some patients experience bloating or fullness because of partial bowel obstruction. It is important to note that these symptoms may be caused by a variety of conditions and may not indicate the presence of cancer. However, these should be thoroughly examined by a healthcare professional as early detection and treatment for cancer can significantly improve a patient’s outcome and prognosis.
Lung cancer: The symptoms of lung cancer can take many years to develop and many people do not start showing signs until the disease is in its later stages. Symptoms of lung cancer may include a cough that does not go away and gets worse over time, chest pain, wheezing, hoarseness, losing weight without trying, frequent lung infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia, and coughing up blood.
Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Symptoms include difficulty starting urination, weak or interrupted flow of urination, frequent urination (especially at night), and difficulty emptying the bladder completely. Also, the patient may experience pain or burning during urination, bloody urine, and continuing pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs.
Prostate Cancer
Sometimes, there might be no symptoms for prostate cancer. When symptoms are observed, they may include difficulty in passing urine, passing urine more frequently, especially at night, a feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied. Less commonly, you may experience pain when passing urine. If male adults encounter any of these symptoms, it is advisable to final call for symptoms diagnosis. Most symptoms seen in prostate cancer are linked to cancer growth in prostate which is close to the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis). This may affect the bladder and urinary system. For example, the urethra can become narrowed because of the cancer and make it more difficult for the person to pass urine. The bladder muscle has to work harder to pass urine and it becomes thicker and sensitive. Over time, this can lead to the bladder muscle to become weaker. This change may fail in passing out of urine from the bladder which may also cause the kidneys to become damaged. Pissing difficulty should not be attributed to prostate cancer especially when it is not common in Singapore. It is more inclined to be due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), where the prostate is enlarged but the cells are non-cancerous. BPH is a common condition in old men and it can be treated. However, it has a major difficulty and the symptom of this condition also involves passing urine more frequently, especially at night. If a prostate cancer is diagnosed in the early stages while it is still confined to the prostate, you have a good chance of a cure.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. It is the number one cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. What is often concerning is that there might not be any symptoms of the cancer until it has reached an advanced stage. Some of the symptoms are similar to other conditions and do not necessarily mean you have lung cancer, but it is still very important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of them. A cough that does not go away or a change in a long-standing cough, that could be either it getting worse or it somehow changed; being breathless or wheezing; coughing up blood or rust-colored spit; chest infections that you have struggled to get rid of; and lastly, if you are constantly tired and have lost your appetite and/or lost weight, all of these could be an indication that you have the disease. If any of these possible symptoms do arise, it is important not to ignore them and seek medical attention and advice from a healthcare professional. Symptoms are often associated with where in the lungs the tumor is, which could be primary or secondary. Secondary tumors in the lung are caused by cancer cells that started in another part of the body. It is important to recognize and monitor any changes in your health and seek medical attention if you are worried or have concerns. Early detection of the cancer can lead to earlier treatment and a better chance of the cancer being cured. If the cancer is diagnosed at a later stage, treatment can help to slow down the progression of the disease and manage it over a longer period of time.
Colorectal Cancer
This type of cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. It is the third most common cancer in men and women in the United States. There are more than 130,000 people diagnosed with this disease every year. The American Cancer Society predicts that in the United States there will be more than 50,000 deaths from colorectal cancer this year. If found and treated early, colorectal cancer can often be cured. The problem is that many people do not get screened because they do not feel any symptoms of the disease until it has progressed. Because the body is so large and the colon is so long, it can take many years for colorectal cancer to grow and cause symptoms. The body relies on the colon to absorb salt and water and to maintain healthy levels of bacteria. However, when the colon is not working properly and its health is compromised, both diarrhea and constipation can occur. Because the body is not absorbing water efficiently, the stool becomes very watery and much more bowel movements are required. On the other extreme, the bowels can become blocked and trap stool that is too dry. This results in severe constipation and bloating. Therefore, unexplained, long term changes in bowel movements should be brought to the attention of a doctor. When colorectal cancer is to blame for these symptoms, they will have come on slowly and worsen gradually. Because of this slow progression, the body has time to adapt to the changes and there may not be any pain, even in advanced stages of the disease. Nonetheless, stomach cramps and pains in the abdominal area are to be expected at some point. As the mass of the tumor obstructs the bowel, stomach pains are more likely to occur after eating. Cancer that begins in the colon is called colon cancer, and cancer that begins in the rectum is called rectal cancer. The colon and rectum are parts of the large intestine, which is the lower part of the body’s digestive system. Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the colon or rectum, it is called colorectal cancer. With screening offering the advantage of finding and removing polyps before they turn into cancer, men over the age of 50 are at a high risk of developing this type of cancer. Once such growths have turned into tumors and begin to affect the surrounding tissue, weakness and fatigue can become a problem. It can also lead to a lack of appetite and subsequent weight loss. Tumors actually feed off the body’s nutrients and because the intestine is not successfully absorbing certain parts of food, a person’s appetite can go down. In the advanced stages of colon cancer, the tumor can break through the colon and release cancerous cells into the bloodstream and lymph nodes. This can cause a patient to run a fever. However, this usually only occurs if the cancer has been ignored for an extended period of time. As the immune system is compromised and the body’s ability to fight infection is reduced, fevers may become more regular. Also, it becomes easier to contract illnesses. Because the body is not well equipped to fight disease, cuts and abrasions are slower to heal. Instead of the body being able to quickly repair damaged tissue, the area can become inflamed and remain sore. If symptoms like these are present, a doctor should be booked to investigate the cause.
When to Seek Medical Attention
As mentioned in the previous sections, if somebody goes to see a doctor, a physical examination will be performed for sure and in some cases, the doctor will recommend some further tests such as blood test or biopsy to verify the diagnosis. At this stage, even though somebody may have heard many frightening stories about people who are struck down by cancer even though they sought medical attention early, it is absolutely unnecessary to wait till the symptoms have persisted for weeks or even months as early diagnosis can really make the difference between life and death. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek advice and have a check if somebody has anything that is not normal and does not go away. So it is always a safe choice to bear in mind and act on the importance of seeking medical attention early when it comes to cancer.
On the other hand, in the particular case of unexplained weight loss, which is considered as a general symptom of cancer, a patient needs to see a doctor if he has lost over 5 kg (or 10 lbs) in the past four to six months. A patient must also see a doctor if he had persistent pain or discomfort, such as a headache, that he did not have before. And a patient should also request medical attention if he has experienced fatigue and excessive weakness that does not go away and it has been properly addressed.
It is critical for males to be mindful of the significance of noticing early cancer symptoms and seeking guidance from a healthcare professional. Many cancer cases can be treated and the survival rates increased if the illness is discovered and treated early. Generally, the quicker the cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the prospect for recovery. So it is very essential to recognize and respond to developing symptoms as soon as possible. If you happen to notice any of the general or specific symptoms for cancer noted in the previous sections, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as feasible.
Importance of Early Detection
Survival rates for many types of cancer are significantly increased the earlier they are diagnosed and treatment is started. Generally, the earlier the stage of the cancer (that is, the earlier the spread of the abnormal cells), the better the outlook. If you suspect that you may have cancer, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional and receive the appropriate diagnostic tests. Cancer can spread quickly, leading to more severe complications and decreased chances of survival. Some of the common types of cancer in males include prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. In addition to the general and non-specific symptoms of cancer, these types of cancer often have symptoms that are more specific and may indicate the location of the cancer in the body. Early detection of cancer can also help guide treatment and prevent cancer from growing or spreading. For example, if you are worried that you may have cancer but do not seek medical attention early on, at the time the cancer is diagnosed, it may have spread to other areas in the body too far for treatment to be effective. We encourage everyone to be aware of their own body and any changes and symptoms that are unexplained or persistent and, critically, to seek medical attention and a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Some of the common types of cancer in males include prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. In addition to the general and non-specific symptoms of cancer, these types of cancer often have symptoms that are more specific and may indicate the location of the cancer in the body. Early detection of cancer can also help guide treatment and prevent cancer from growing or spreading. For example, if you are worried that you may have cancer but do not seek medical attention early on, at the time the cancer is diagnosed, it may have spread to other areas in the body too far for treatment to be effective. We encourage everyone to be aware of their own body and any changes and symptoms that are unexplained or persistent and, critically, to seek medical attention and a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Some of the common types of cancer in males include prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. In addition to the general and non-specific symptoms of cancer, these types of cancer often have symptoms that are more specific and may indicate the location of the cancer in the body. Early detection of cancer can also help guide treatment and prevent cancer from growing or spreading. For example, if you are worried that you may have cancer but do not seek medical attention early on, at the time the cancer is diagnosed, it may have spread to other areas in the body too far for treatment to be effective. We encourage everyone to be aware of their own body and any changes and symptoms that are unexplained or persistent and, critically, to seek medical attention and a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Consulting a Healthcare Professional
It is important for us as males, particularly as we age, to recognize the changes in our body and be able to know when to seek medical attention. Whilst in our youth, most symptoms we may notice could be attributed to a number of different things, as we get older, it is often cancer that causes symptoms. It is understandable that many of us may feel embarrassed or worried about finding out something’s wrong, but it is crucial for early diagnosis and successful treatment that you consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you do discover any of the symptoms we have talked about in this article. As scary as a cancer diagnosis may seem, especially one that in the media is seen as being impossible to survive, survival rates have been increasing in the last 40 years with over half of all patients now surviving. More and more breakthroughs are being made in cancer research and though early diagnosis and treatment will give you the best chance of beating the disease, it is important that you seek help as soon as possible. Consulting a healthcare professional is the only way to obtain the treatment and reassurance you will need. He or she will be able to offer you expert advice, carry out tests where necessary and provide support throughout the process. It is, of course, important to prepare for what a healthcare professional may say and to get the most out of the consultation as possible, so it might be helpful to consider some of the following. First things first, no question is too silly when you are consulting a healthcare professional. Of course, it is unusual and might feel strange talking about personal things with someone you have never met before, but do not let shyness or embarrassment get in the way of explaining your symptoms and worries clearly. A healthcare professional will have heard and seen it all before and will no doubt be able to offer you a considered and helpful response. It might be useful to try and familiarize yourself with the conversation you will have when consulting a healthcare professional. He or she will ask you about your personal and family medical history, your symptoms and give you a physical examination if it is appropriate. Knowing what to expect and being prepared can help put your mind at rest and ensure that you get the most out of the consultation.
Screening and Diagnostic Tests
There are several risk factors (e.g. age, genetic factors) that contribute to the development of cancer in the male community. It’s vital for males to be familiar with the basic knowledge of cancers and go for regular checks to enhance the chances of early detection. For example, apart from the regular tobacco and excessive alcohol prevention, males around 40 are recommended to go for a comprehensive body health check for the prevention of prostate and colorectal cancer. Symptoms such as groin pain, urinary discomfort, or bowel problems should not be neglected. Proactive action of visiting a doctor should be done as early as possible.
Diagnostic tests are done to find out if any cancer is present in the body and, if so, what type it is and how far it has developed. For the diagnosis of male cancers, different types of laboratory tests such as biopsy or endoscopy or imaging tests are used. The essential thing is to know the type of the cancer, the exact location of the cancer, and the areas to which cancer has spread. Treatments and the outlook for the patient can vary depending on these. So, results of the diagnostic test can provide a number of different pieces of information to the doctor. Based on the symptoms and the part of the body affected, suitable tests are chosen. For example, different tests are used to diagnose lung cancer and prostate cancer. It is a common feature for most of the male cancers that the patients may have to undergo more than one of the following: blood tests, biopsy, endoscopy, and scans.
– Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is produced by the prostate gland. – Digital rectal examination (DRE): is a test in which the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and feels the prostate for anything abnormal. – CT scan uses x-ray equipment and a computer to make detailed pictures of the structures inside the body. – MRI scan uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the inside of the body. It is very helpful for looking at the brain and spinal cord. – Bone scan helps to show up any abnormal areas in the bones. It’s not painful and takes about 30 minutes. – Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of the inside of the body. Screening is a way of testing for a disease or condition in a person who does not have any symptoms. The goal is to find a cancer early when it’s small and has not spread to other parts of the body. This will help you to have the best chance of successful treatment. For most male cancers, the probability of the spread is high. So, an early diagnosis is very important. If someone is having symptoms, a doctor starts by taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination.