Cancer is an enigma – uncontrollable, complex, and life-altering.
With more than 100 types of cancer, they all share one commonality: They occur when normal cells begin to grow uncontrollably, evolving into cancerous cells that multiply and spread throughout the body.
Cancer itself is without bias, affecting anyone, regardless of race or sex. There are certain types, however, that can develop a preference for a particular gender or race.
According to the 2022 Annual Report on Cancer, the disease often affects slightly more men than women. What is the most common cancer in men, and is early detection before a too-late diagnosis even possible?
Continue reading as we explore the five most common cancers affecting men and discover how the latest healthcare technology could make a significant difference between a life well-lived and one lived too late.
The Most Common Cancer in Men: Prostate Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, roughly one in eight men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the small, walnut-shaped gland just below the bladder called the prostate. The prostate is responsible for keeping sperm healthy for conception and pregnancy.
Often found in men over the age of 65, prostate cancer in its early stages rarely results in symptoms. However, over time, you may begin to notice the following symptoms:
- Frequency of urination
- Weak urine flow
- Pain or burning when you pee
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Blood in semen or pee
- Pain in your lower back, hip, or chest
Prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer in men, but early detection can significantly improve your chances of long-term survival.
Colorectal Cancer: Highly Preventable Yet… the Second-Leading Cause of Cancer-Related Deaths
Colorectal cancer is a disease that begins in the tissues of the colon or rectum, two primary areas of the digestive system.
Caused by unknown mutations in your DNA, colorectal cancer can develop symptoms including:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Blood in the stool
- Feelings that the bowel does not empty
- Frequent gas pains, bloating, or cramps
- Unknown weight loss
- Fatigue
Despite colorectal cancer being one of the most preventable types of cancer, it holds the position as the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., with over 27,000 men dying from colorectal cancer every year.
Lung Cancer: The Leading Cause of Cancer-Related Deaths
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and the second most common type of cancer found in men in the U.S.
Lung cancer, like many types, doesn’t often display symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease advances, signs of the cancer in men may include:
- A new, persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Safety in the Sun: A Closer Look at Skin Cancer
Along with prostate cancer, skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the U.S., not to mention one of the easiest to prevent and detect early on.
Most skin cancers occur in areas that are frequently exposed to ultraviolet radiation or sunlight. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, with men twice as likely to get melanoma by the time they turn 65.
Symptoms of skin cancer may include:
- A new mole, bump, or scab on the skin
- A rough patch on the skin
- A sore on the skin that fails to heal
- Changes to a mole or freckle, such as growing in size or changing color
- Pain or itchiness around a skin growth
Testicular Cancer: The Most Common and Most Curable
Most commonly found in men between the ages of 15 and 35, testicular cancer is the abnormal growth of cells that begins in the testicles. Often presenting itself as a bump or lump on the testicle, it can quickly spread to other parts of the body.
Along with a lump on the testicle, signs of testicular cancer include:
- Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Dull ache in the lower belly or groin
- Sudden swelling in the scrotum
- Pain or discomfort in a testicle or scrotum
- Back pain
- Enlargement or tenderness of breast tissue
There are currently no recommended screening tests for testicular cancer.
How to Detect Cancer Early: Discovering a Future with a Full Body MRI Scan
According to the American Cancer Society, almost half of all adult cancers may be prevented by things within our control – and that includes taking a proactive approach to your healthcare with a full-body MRI scan.
MRI Wellness screens for nearly 500 health conditions across 13 organ systems, including early detection of silent cancer killers.
To detect cancerous tumors in their early stages, we leverage the latest healthcare technology to help make late-stage diagnoses a thing of the past.
Take a proactive approach to your health and schedule your whole-body MRI scan today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the five most common cancers in men?
The five most common cancers discussed for men are prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer including melanoma, and testicular cancer.
Which cancer is most frequently diagnosed in men?
Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. About one in eight men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. See the American Cancer Society facts for men.
What is the leading cause of cancer death in men?
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, even though it is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer.
Can a full-body MRI detect cancer early?
A preventive full-body MRI in Charleston screens for nearly 500 conditions across 13 organ systems and supports early detection, with no ionizing radiation and no contrast dyes. It complements, rather than replaces, recommended screenings such as colonoscopy.
When should men think about cancer screening?
It depends on the cancer type and your personal risk, such as family history and lifestyle. Talk with a clinician about timing, and consider the conditions a whole-body scan can detect. Note that some blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma can also cause an enlarged spleen.
