10 cancer symptoms men shouldn't ignore

Nagging back pain. Indigestion. Frequent urination. You may assume these are minor health issues that don’t need a doctor’s visit. But think again. 

Cancer symptoms are often vague. In fact, prostate cancer – the most common cancer in men – has some of the least obvious symptoms. 

“Men shouldn’t ignore their health,” says Therese Bevers, M.D., medical director of MD Anderson’s Cancer Prevention Center. “It’s vital to pay attention to changes in your body and report unusual symptoms to your doctor right away.” 

Knowing what symptoms to look for can help your doctor find cancer early when it’s most treatable. 

Bevers shares some of the most common cancer symptoms in men. 

Abnormal lump 

Have you recently felt a mass or lump right below your skin? This may be a sign of cancer. Lumps normally show up in the breast, testicles, lymph nodes and soft tissues, like tendons and ligaments. Report it to your doctor immediately, especially if you just found it, or it has grown in size. 

Changes in your testicles 

Have you noticed changes in the size of your testicles, like one or both have gotten bigger? Maybe you’ve found a lump, or your testicles feel swollen or extra heavy. Any of these signs should send you straight to your doctor. Testicular cancer is most common in young and middle-aged men. 

Changes in your bathroom habits 

Suddenly need to use the restroom all the time? Or have pain when you go? This may be a sign of bladder or prostate cancer. Other signs to look out for are blood in your stool or urine. Changes in your bowel habits, like constipation or diarrhea that won’t go away, matter, too. 

Changes in your skin 

If you work long hours outside or have a history of blistering sunburn, check your skin closely for skin cancer.  

Skin cancer symptoms include: 

• Unusual bleeding 
• Scaling 
• Sores that do not heal 
• Warts, moles or freckles that change in color, size or shape

Bottom line: If you’ve got a strange spot on your skin, see a dermatologist. 

Indigestion or trouble swallowing 

A prolonged painful burning sensation in your throat or chest shouldn’t be ignored – even if you suspect it’s from eating spicy food. Don’t assume that regular indigestion or trouble swallowing is a normal part of aging either. It can be a sign of esophageal, stomach or throat cancer.  

Persistent cough or hoarseness 

Do you have a nagging cough that lasts more than three weeks? This could be a sign that something is wrong. Whether you smoke or not, a cough that doesn’t go away can be a sign of lung cancer. Persistent hoarseness, wheezing, shortness of breath or coughing up blood are also signs to call your doctor right away. 

Changes in your mouth 

If you smoke, chew, dip, spit or vape tobacco, you need to pay close attention to changes inside your mouth. White patches inside your mouth or white patches on your tongue may be pre-cancers. Left untreated, these areas can turn into oral cancer. Sores, unexplained bleeding, numbness or tenderness in the area around your mouth – like your tongue, lips and cheeks – should tell you that it’s time for a checkup. 

Unexplained weight loss 

Are you dropping pounds without changing your diet or exercise habits? Call your doctor – even if you think they’re pounds you need to lose. Losing 10 pounds or more for no known reason can be a sign of pancreatic, stomach, esophageal or lung cancer. 

Constant fatigue 

Are you too tired to play with your kids or hang out with friends after work? Are you constantly tired no matter how much rest you get? Don’t brush it off. Constant fatigue can be a sign of leukemia, as well as some colon and stomach cancers. 

Persistent pain 

Nagging back pain, a headache that won’t go away, abdominal or stomach pains – your doctor needs to know. Persistent pain, no matter the location, may be the first sign that something’s wrong. See your doctor about any pain that lasts for several weeks or longer. 

See a doctor if your symptoms persist 

Remember, having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer. But if they’re persistent, head in for a checkup.  

The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can figure out what is causing your symptoms. And, if your symptoms are caused by cancer, it is best to find out early when cancer is most treatable. 

The bottom line: see your doctor to determine what is causing your symptoms and get you on the road to recovery.  

Request an appointment at MD Anderson's Lyda Hill Cancer Prevention Center online or call 1-877-632-6789.