Taking charge of your health and understanding some of the signs of common cancers is crucial for early detection and effective management. Understanding the risks and warning signs could even encourage you to take proactive steps towards living a longer and happier life.
Cancer Research UK reveals there are around 199,000 new cancer cases in UK men each year, underscoring the importance of ensuring that you’re well informed of the potential symptoms.
Continue reading to discover three of the most common forms of cancer in over-50s men in the UK, and some useful information about things you should keep an eye out for.
1. Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in men, with Cancer Research UK revealing that there are around 55,100 new cases every year in the UK.
While the exact causes of prostate cancer remain largely unknown, certain factors can increase your risk of developing the illness.
Age is a significant factor, with the NHS stating that most cases develop in men aged 50 or over. Additionally, your family history can play a role, as men who have close relatives who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer tend to be at higher risk.
Ethnicity can also have an influence, with Prostate Cancer UK revealing that black men have double the risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and that it tends to develop much younger than it does in white men.
Perhaps the most concerning thing about prostate cancer is that most prostate cancers develop slowly, and many men experience no symptoms early on due to the way the cancer grows.
However, as the cancer progresses, several symptoms may appear, such as frequent urination, especially at night, or a weak or interrupted flow.
When you do manage to use the toilet, you might experience a burning sensation, notice blood in your urine, or feel pain in your lower back or pelvis.
It’s important to remember that even if you do experience these symptoms, they could simply indicate that you have an enlarged prostate, which isn’t always due to cancer. Regardless, it’s still worth consulting your doctor, who will usually perform a blood test or physical examination to find out more about your symptoms.
Generally, regular check-ups with your doctor are essential for maintaining good prostate health. It’s worth discussing any risk factors with your GP and asking about screening options, as early detection is key to successful treatment.
2. Lung cancer
Lung cancer is an especially aggressive form of the disease. Considering Cancer Research UK reveals that there are around 25,400 new cases each year in men in the UK, it’s vital to be aware of the causes and symptoms so you can manage your health.
Your lungs are vital organs responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, and cancer typically occurs when abnormal cells grow within the lung tissue.
You likely know that smoking is associated with lung cancer – the NHS reveals that it accounts for more than 70 out of 100 cases – and even second-hand smoke can increase your risk. Despite this, anyone can develop the disease, regardless of whether they smoke or not.
Indeed, some chemicals, such as asbestos, silica, or diesel engine exhaust fumes, can increase your risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Additionally, if you’ve suffered from other lung conditions in the past, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, you may be at a higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer.
Early-stage lung cancer often has no symptoms whatsoever, making early detection challenging. However, as the cancer progresses, symptoms can appear.
These include:
A persistent cough
Breathlessness
Unexplained tiredness and weight loss
An ache in your chest when you breathe or cough.
If you do experience any of these symptoms, it’s vital to consult your doctor for an evaluation. When you do, they might recommend further testing, such as a chest x-ray, a CT scan, or a bronchoscopy.
Even if it turns out you don’t have lung cancer, undergoing these tests can diagnose other conditions that may require treatment.
3. Bowel cancer
Bowel cancer is another significant health concern for men over 50, with Cancer Research UK stating there are roughly 24,500 new cases each year in the UK.
It occurs when abnormal cells form in the lining of your bowel, the long muscular tube that helps you digest food and removes waste from your body.
While the exact causes of bowel cancer are unclear, several factors can influence your risk of being diagnosed. For instance, your age, family history, diet, and exercise habits are among the key risk factors.
You could lower your risk by maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with regular exercise.
Even if you maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s still important to be vigilant for any symptoms of bowel cancer, such as:
Changes in your toilet habits, such as regular constipation or diarrhoea
Blood in your stool
Persistent abdominal pain
A sudden loss of weight.
The NHS offers a bowel screening programme for men aged between 54 and 74. If, after completing the home test, blood is found in your stool, you’ll usually be offered an appointment to discuss having a colonoscopy to look for the exact cause.
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Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
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