Early symptoms of cancer in males can include changes in bowel habits, the testicles, and urination. However, the signs will depend on the type of cancer. In some cases, symptoms do not appear until a later stage.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), males are more likely to die from cancer than females in the United States.
Some people may not notice the early signs of cancer or may confuse them for symptoms of other conditions. Knowing which symptoms may indicate cancer can help a person get treatment sooner.
Symptoms that could be indicative of cancer include:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Urination difficulties
- Weight loss
- testicular changes
- Breast lumps
- Skin and mouth sores
- Persistent cough
- Abdominal pain
- Bone pain
- Fatigue
Changes in Bowel Movements
Occasional bowel habit changes can occur for various reasons and are usually not a cause for concern.
However, long-term bowel changes can be a sign of some digestive disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These changes can also sometimes indicate certain types of cancer, including colorectal, bladder, and prostate cancer.
Anyone who has severe or persistent constipation or diarrhea should see a doctor, especially if their stools contain blood or they experience rectal bleeding.
Both hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer can cause itching, pain, rectal bleeding, and bloody stools. However, hemorrhoids tend to flare up and then get better, so symptoms may only appear intermittently. If a person experiences persistent or increased bleeding from the rectum, this may indicate cancer rather than hemorrhoids.
Urination Difficulties
People who notice blood in their urine or semen or have consistent difficulty urinating should see their doctor. These symptoms can indicate bladder cancer.
Painful or difficult urination can also be a sign of prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), doctors will diagnose about 1 in 8 males with prostate cancer.
Other symptoms of prostate cancer can include:
- a burning sensation when urinating
- a weak urine stream
- erectile dysfunction
- loss of bladder or bowel control
Weight Loss
Minor changes in body weight can occur throughout the day. Large meals, intense workouts, and drinking water can temporarily affect a person’s body weight. However, people who experience unintentional weight loss should speak with a doctor.
A 2017 study defines unintentional weight loss as a person losing more than 5% of their body weight in less than 12 months without making any dietary or lifestyle changes.
Unintentional weight loss does not necessarily mean that a person has cancer. However, people should not ignore this symptom as it can be a warning sign of many different health conditions.
Testicular Changes
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in males ages 15-45 years. Testicular cancer does not always cause symptoms in the early stages. The first noticeable sign is often a lump on a testicle.
Other symptoms of testicular cancer can include:
- pain in one or both testicles
- changes in the size or firmness of a testicle
- pain or numbness of the scrotum
- swelling of the scrotum
- a dull ache in the groin
Testicular changes do not always indicate testicular cancer. Bacterial and viral infections can also cause swelling and pain in the testicles. However, it is still important for anyone who notices changes in their testicles to see a doctor.
Brest Lumps
Although it is rare, males can also get breast cancer. About 1% of breast cancer cases occur in males.
Below the nipples, males have a small amount of breast tissue that contains ducts. Breast cancer in males often begins in these ducts and spreads to the surrounding breast tissue.
Breast changes that can indicate cancer include:
- a swelling or lump
- dimpling of the skin
- nipple discharge
- scaling or redness
- an inverted nipple
Males who notice any of these changes in their breasts should speak to their doctor.
Skin and Mouth Sores
Some forms of skin cancer may look similar to other types of skin sores. In the early stages, skin cancer can present as firm red bumps that bleed or develop a dry, scaly top.
Early-stage oral cancer can cause large red lesions or open sores in the mouth. Some people develop leukoplakia, a condition in which white or gray patches occur on the inside of the mouth and the tongue. If they do not receive treatment, leukoplakia can progress into oral cancer.
Tobacco use can significantly increase a person’s risk of developing mouth sores, leukoplakia, and oral cancer.
Persistent Cough
A cough that does not go away or worsens over time can be a sign of several serious health conditions, including lung cancer. People who have a persistent cough with no obvious cause should speak to their doctor.
Other symptoms that can indicate a serious condition include:
- coughing up blood
- excessive mucus production
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- chest pain
- fatigue
- hoarseness
Abdominal Pain
Persistent or recurring abdominal pain or nausea can indicate a digestive issue, such as IBS or gastroenteritis. These symptoms can also sometimes occur due to either stomach, bile duct, or pancreatic cancer.
If a person experiences stomach pain along with any of the following symptoms, they may want to get evaluated by a doctor.
- unexplained weight loss
- loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting
- blood in the stool
- fatigue
- jaundice
- heartburn
Bone Pain
Some types of cancer, such as prostate and lung cancer, can spread to the bones. This spreading, which is called metastasis, occurs in the more advanced stages of cancer.
Bone metastasis can cause a dull, aching pain that may initially come and go before remaining constant. Cancer can also weaken bones, making them more prone to fractures.
Fatigue
Fatigue describes a constant feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. Many chronic conditions, including cancer, can cause fatigue.
Some cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, can disrupt the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. People who have a low red blood cell count may experience fatigue due to less oxygen circulating in the body.
Tumors compete with healthy cells for essential nutrients, and healthy cells will die if they cannot get enough nourishment. Uncontrolled tumor growth can cause fatigue and rapid weight loss.
Fatigue from cancer does not improve with sleep. People who experience persistent, unexplained fatigue should speak to their doctor.
How should males check for cancer?
Males should always pay attention to their bodies. If they notice any abnormalities, they must speak with their doctor. Males should also complete recommended screenings such as a colonoscopy, fecal occult blood test, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) exam.
