Men Have the Highest Risk of Cancer, Know the Symptoms
The word "cancer" strikes fear into hearts and minds, as a cure for COVID-19, while still elusive, has been identified, but a cure for cancer remains a distant prospect. However, with awareness and proper treatment, cancer can be effectively managed. Every year, February 4th is observed as World Cancer Day to raise awareness and prevent the disease. Despite various awareness campaigns, cancer remains a leading cause of death globally. According to a WebMD report, men have a higher risk of developing cancer compared to women.
Let's understand the types of cancers affecting men and their symptoms.
What is Cancer?
The human body is composed of countless cells, which constantly divide. This is a normal bodily function, tightly regulated. However, sometimes, the control over cells in a specific organ is lost, and cells begin to grow uncontrollably, leading to cancer.
How Does Cancer Start?
Cancer begins with changes in the genes of cells. These changes may occur spontaneously or due to various factors, including exposure to harmful substances like tobacco, ultraviolet radiation, or other forms of radiation. Cancer often weakens the body's immune system, although sometimes the immune system struggles to combat the cancerous cells, leading to the development of this incurable disease. As cancerous cells multiply, a tumor develops. If left untreated, it can spread throughout the body.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the colon or rectum. It is the third most lethal cancer for men. Approximately 53,000 out of every 100,000 individuals are affected by colorectal cancer. In 2007, nearly 27,000 people lost their lives due to this disease.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Early symptoms of colorectal cancer are often difficult to detect. However, as the cancer progresses, symptoms like abdominal pain, weakness, and rapid weight loss may appear.
Bladder Cancer
This is the fourth most dangerous cancer in men. Approximately 36 out of every 100,000 cancer patients suffer from bladder cancer, with about eight losing their lives to it.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer can cause blood in the urine. The blood may appear as clots. Painful urination is another potential symptom.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer poses the highest risk to men's reproductive organs. It's the second most frequent cause of cancer death, after lung cancer. In 2007, approximately 29,000 out of 100,000 cancer patients died from prostate cancer, according to CDC reports.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer can cause difficulty urinating, urinary leakage, and increased bone pain.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the fifth most lethal form of cancer for men. Approximately 27 out of every 100,000 cancer patients suffer from skin cancer, with around four fatalities.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer manifests as changes in skin color, the emergence of small spots on the skin, or unusual marks or lumps. It's crucial to seek medical attention if any such abnormalities are observed.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In 2007, approximately 88,000 people lost their lives due to this disease, according to one estimate.
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Symptoms of lung cancer can include blood in the mucus, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
