Common Cancers in Men

Cancer Risks in Men

Men, just like women, have a unique list of commonly diagnosed cancers. Knowing the types of cancers that are most diagnosed in men can help with early detection and prevention. Learn more about the symptoms and risk factors of the top four cancers found in men.

Prostate Cancer

As men get older, the chances of developing prostate cancer increase. Prostate cancer is often found in men over 65 years of age, making it imperative that men begin to have regular screenings around the age of 50.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

• Age (increases after 50)
• Ethnicity (African American and Caribbean men of African ancestry have an increased risk)
• Having one or more close relatives with prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

• Frequent urination
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Blood in the Urine
• Erectile dysfunction
• Pain in the hips, back or chest
• Loss of bladder control
• Weakness or numbness in legs or feet

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer can start in either the colon or the rectum. Both men and women who are at average risk should begin regular screening at age 45. For those at higher risk, testing may be recommended before age 45.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

• Being overweight or obese
• Lack of physical exercise
• Eating a diet high in red/processed meats
• Tobacco use
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Being older
• Having a personal history or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

• Change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation)
• Feelings of having a bowel movement but not relieved
• Rectal bleeding
• Blood in the stool
• Abdominal pain/cramping
• Feeling fatigued/weak
• Unexplained weight loss

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is typically caused by exposure to chemicals or airborne particles. While smoking is the top cause of lung cancer, there are other risk factors you should know about.

Lung Cancer Risk Factors

• Family history of lung cancer
• Secondhand smoke
• Occupational exposure (working around asbestos, tar, soot)
• Exposure to radon

Lung Cancer Symptoms

• A persistent cough that won’t go away
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain when breathing, coughing or laughing
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness/weakness
• Infections that won’t go away (bronchitis, pneumonia)
• Wheezing

Skin Cancer

While anyone can get skin cancer, men are at a significantly higher risk of women. One of the top risk factors of skin cancer is not protecting your skin from the sun. Other risk factors include:

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

• Being fair-skinned
• Having a history of blistering sunburns
• Excessive sun exposure
• Moles
• Actinic keratosis precancerous (skin lesions)
• Family history of skin cancer
• Personal history of skin cancer

Skin Cancer Symptoms

• New moles or growths
• Moles or growths that have gotten larger
• Moles or growths that have changed shape significantly
• Lesions that itch, bleed or do not heal
• Abnormal spots that are pink or brown

Take Our Free CancerAware Risk Assessment

If you are concerned about developing cancer or any other health problem, taking any of our free HealthAware risk assessment tests can help you learn about your current health status. Identifying the medical or lifestyle conditions that can increase your risk of developing an illness can help you make positive changes. Whether you need a lung cancer risk assessment or weight risk assessment, you can take any of our nine free HealthAware Risk Assessments today.