Symptoms of Cancer in Men: 10 Early Warning Signs to Watch

oncare team
Updated on Dec 2, 2025 18:22 IST

By Raveena M Prakash

Cancer remains one of the most serious and complex health concerns for men, yet its earliest signs can be subtle, mild, or easily mistaken for everyday issues like fatigue, stress, or aging. Most men tend to avoid consulting a doctor either out of fear or the belief that it will go away on its own. Unfortunately, these behaviors can often cause the cancer to grow and become undetected in its early stages. Many cancers are common in men, such as prostate, colon, skin cancer and testicular cancers.

In this article, we’ll discover more about how to detect cancer symptoms early and what men can do to reduce the risk of developing cancer in them!

What are the common symptoms of cancer in Men

Here are some of the common symptoms of cancer in men, including:

Sudden weight loss

If you are experiencing sudden weight loss, especially if you haven’t changed your diet and are not following any physical activities, it should raise concerns about these two factors. Stress or digestive problems can also trigger weight loss in men. Unexpected weight loss is one of the earliest signs of certain cancers.

These types of cancers are often linked to weight loss; these may include:

  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Lung cancer

Cancers often cause inflammation or metabolic changes in men; if you start to lose almost 10 kg or more without trying, then it's time to consult a doctor immediately.

Constant fatigue

If you are experiencing constant fatigue or feel tired after a long day, then it can be connected to cancer. It can be deep, continuous, and hard to overcome even after resting or sleeping properly. 

Here are some of the common causes of cancer-related fatigue, including:

  • Internal bleeding
  • Metabolic changes
  • Leukemia and blood cancers

If fatigue starts to become more constant or interferes with daily life for many weeks, then it should be medically evaluated.

Changes in urine

The urinary issues are often associated with an increasing age, but certain urinary symptoms might indicate prostate or bladder cancer in men. 

Warning signs may include:

  • Difficulty starting or stopping urination
  • Experiencing weak or interrupted urine flow
  • Frequent nighttime urination
  • Pain or experiencing a burning sensation while urinating
  • Blood in the urine

If you are experiencing a new change while urinating, especially if it's constantly happening, then it deserves proper medical attention.

Unusual swelling or lumps

In some cases, the lumps often cause panic in men, but not all are cancerous. Even so, any lump should be medically evaluated, especially if it's painless or growing. 

Where to check:

  • Testicles (Testicular cancer)
  • Neck or armpits (swollen lymph nodes)
  • Chest and breast tissue (male breast cancer)
  • Groin areas

Testicular cancer is highly treatable when caught early; following a regular physical examination is crucial to understand the lumps and makes it easier to treat in the initial stages.

Constant cough or hoarseness

If you are experiencing a constant cough for more than 2 to 3 weeks, then it should not be ignored. These may be often linked:

  • Lung cancer 
  • Throat cancer
  • Thyroid cancer

If you are constantly experiencing symptoms like wheezing, hoarseness, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath, these are also common signs of cancer. Infection and allergies are common causes; these frequent signs should always be checked.

Skin changes

Skin cancer is quite common in men, often because men are less likely to use sunscreen creams or lotions or to monitor any skin changes. 

Always look for:

  • New moles
  • Changes in mole size, shape, or color
  • Sores that don’t heal
  • Irregular borders or multi-colored spots 

Try to use the ABCDE rule to understand any suspicious moles with their asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter less than 6 mm, and evolving nature.

Chronic pain

If you are experiencing persistent pain, often caused by any kind of injury, it might indicate cancer. The location of these pains can also indicate some clues about cancer, including:

  • Back pain is also connected to prostate or spinal cancers.
  • Bone pain indicates cancers that have already been spread in the body.
  • Upper abdominal pain related to liver or pancreatic cancers

If the pain lasts more than a few weeks, intensifying over time, it should be medically evaluated immediately.

Difficulty swallowing food

If you are experiencing trouble swallowing foods, also known as dysphagia, which might be caused by issues like acid reflux, it can also be associated with:

  • Esophageal cancer
  • Throat cancer
  • Stomach cancer

If swallowing becomes more painful and difficult or is experienced along with weight loss or vomiting, then do not ignore these signs.

Changes in bowel movements

If you are constantly experiencing digestive changes, that might indicate colorectal cancer in some. These cancers are common, but these are considered highly treatable when caught early.

Always watch out for:

  • Constant constipation
  • Stools appears as narrow or ribbon like stools
  • Sudden stomach pain or cramping
  • Feeling unable to clear the bowels completely

If you are a man above the age of 45, then consider consulting a routine colon screenings. 

Constant fever or Night sweats

If you are experiencing frequent fevers without infection or heavy night sweats, it might indicate blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma. If a fever lasts for more than a week without a known cause, seek more medical evaluation.

Why early diagnosis matter

Early diagnosis can significantly improve the outcome of any major cancer treatment in patients. 

Here’s why it's crucial:

  • Treatments are less aggressive in early stages: Early stages of cancer needs less aggressive treatments, shorter radiation sessions 
  • Improves the quality of life: Early stage cancers are often treated with small, localized surgery, fewer long term complications
  • Lowers the medical and treatment costs: Advanced cancer treatment is significantly more expensive than in early stage treatments. 
  • Increase the survival rates immediately: Many cancers are highly treatable when detected in early stages. 
  • Peace of mind: Performing screenings often provides reassurance and help men understand their health better and before symptoms start to increase. 

When should you consult a doctor?

In most cases, men hesitate to go to a doctor, but early diagnosis is one of the best forms of protection against the worsening of any health condition, including cancer.

You should consult a doctor immediately, if you experience any of the following:

  • A symptom lasts longer than 2 to 3 weeks
  • Noticing blood where it shouldn’t be 
  • Experiencing a lump or swelling
  • Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
  • Symptom steadily starts to worsen
  • You have a family history of cancer

How can men reduce their cancer risk

As we all know, not all cancer can be prevented. There are many lifestyle choices that can significantly lower the risk of cancer development. Men take charge of their health through simple, long-term healthy habits.  

Here’s how you can reduce the risk of cancer, including:

  • Quit smoking and avoid the use of tobacco
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a plant rich diet
  • Stay physically active
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Protect your skin from sun exposure
  • Get regular cancer screenings
  • Manage stress and sleep, take proper rest as well
  • Learn more about your family history of cancer

Consult Today

Cancer can develop silently in both men and women, making awareness and proactive health habits crucial for men of all ages. Identifying early warning signs, often seeking medical help immediately, and making healthy choices can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer or catch it early when it's most treatable. Your health is your responsibility; always listen to your body, stay more informed, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if anything seems not right. Early action can save your lives.

At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries at an affordable price range with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialist today! Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!

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