The incidence of cancer appears to be increasing in Anguilla, affecting both men and women, but, unlike women many men still fail to take preventative steps to help prevent this deadly condition. Routine preventive care can find cancer and other diseases in their early stages. There are a number of things that men can do to prevent or detect cancer at an early stage when treatment options are more successful.
Regular medical checkups
For some unexplained reason many men are reluctant to visit the doctor. Few men have regular checkups compared to women. Indeed, men are 24 percent less likely to have visited a doctor in the past year, and are statistically less willing to participate in cancer screenings.
The best time to catch cancer is early in its development before any physical symptoms appear. Unfortunately, research confirms the notion that men tend to procrastinate when it comes to their healthcare eds (especially when it comes to cancer screenings). If you are over the age of 50, or at a high risk for certain cancers due to genetic or environmental factors, experts recommend that you receive annual cancer screenings. Talk to your doctor when and how often to have regular medical checkups.
Ignoring warning symptoms
Some men have symptoms that are suggestive of cancer, but fail to seek medical care or simply ignore these warning symptoms. Any unexplained symptom or sign should be of concern, but there are some symptoms that if present warrant an urgent visit to the doctor. Some cancer symptoms in men are specific. They involve certain body parts and may point directly to the possibility of cancer. Other symptoms are vague. It may or may not be a sign of cancer, but you cannot rule cancer out without seeing a doctor.Some of these symptoms will be discussed below.
Unexplained weight loss
It is true that many persons in Anguilla are overweight or obese and would not mind losing ten to twenty pounds. If you lose more than 10 pounds without a change in exercise or diet, however, it could be a sign of a serious condition. Unexplained weight loss is a potential symptom in patients with pancreatic, stomach or lung cancer, but it could also result from digestive problems. Diabetes is also a common cause of weight loss. All men are encouraged to consult with their doctor if they have unexplained weight loss.
Change in bowel habits
Bowel habits vary considerably between individuals, so it is difficult to pin down exactly what is normal for the general population. In some instances, changes in bowel habits could be the result of something as simple as a new diet. If you are experiencing bloody or black stool, persistent diarrhoea, constipation or unexplained urges to go to the bathroom, you should seek medical attention. These symptoms and signs might indicate cancer of the colon or other parts of the bowel. In some cases they might be due to a benign condition like irritable bowel syndrome, but you should see your doctor so that a correct diagnosis can be made.
It is quite normal to feel full after eating a large meal — that feeling is your body’s way of telling you to stop eating. However, if you are consistently feeling bloated or full after eating only a small amount of food, it might be best for you to visit your doctor. These symptoms might indicate stomach or pancreatic cancer. Gastro esophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome can also cause these symptoms.
Abnormal lumps
Lumps in any part of the body should be a cause of concern. Lumps in the testicles should require an urgent visit to the doctor, but lumps in the breast and other locations can be dangerous. Any change in the size of the testicles, such as growth or shrinkage, should be a concern. Not all lumps are cancerous but you should talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual lumps no matter where they are on your body.
Unexplained fever
Usually, fever is caused by your body heating up to ward off an infection like influenza. Persistent or unusual fever, however, could be a sign of a more serious condition. Various autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause fever. Fever may be an early symptom of leukemia or lymphoma. Talk with your doctor if you experience unusual or persistently high fever.
Changes in the lymph nodes
If you notice a lump or swelling in the lymph nodes under your armpit or in your neck — or anywhere else — it could be a reason for concern. If you have a lymph node that gets progressively larger, and it has been longer than a month, see a doctor. Your doctor should examine you and determine any associated issues such as infection, that could explain the lymph node enlargement. If there is no infection, a doctor will typically order a biopsy.
Persistent cough
If you have a cough that lasts more than two weeks you should see your doctor whether you smoke or not. A long-lasting cough — especially if it is not accompanied by other flu-like symptoms — may be a sign of lung cancer. Before you start worrying about cancer after every bout of coughing, though, it is important to remember that a variety of conditions can affect your respiratory system. Late onset asthma is very common in Anguilla and can present with a cough. Discuss any respiratory issues with your doctor to determine the proper treatment.
Constant fatigue
Many of us are tired from something benign such as attending a long political meeting, but constant fatigue is not a normal aspect of aging, and feeling tired for extended periods of time is certainly not an issue to ignore. Chronic fatigue can be an early symptom of a number of serious health conditions, including multiple sclerosis, depression, heart disease, leukemia and colon or stomach cancer. If you have constant periods of tiredness it is best to seek medical attention.
Problems with your bladder
Men after the age of forty often begin to see changes in bladder control, but if you see significant changes in bladder control, it is time to see your doctor as trouble controlling the flow of urine, once you have to, is a common early sign of prostate cancer and bladder cancer. Various other conditions can lead to bladder dysfunction. Bladder dysfunction is a troubling issue in and of itself, so do not hesitate to report any symptoms to your doctor.
Mouth changes
If you smoke or chew tobacco, you need to be especially alert for any white patches inside your mouth or white spots on your tongue. Those changes may indicate leukoplakia, a pre-cancerous area that can occur with ongoing irritation. This condition can progress to oral cancer.
Persistent pain
Many men might be hesitant to report persistent pain, thinking that they should just “weather the storm.” However, chronic pain is certainly not a symptom to downplay. Depending on the location, persistent pain may be a sign of certain cancers. For example, prostate cancer can lead to pain in the lower back and hips, while lung cancer can cause chest pain. More often than not, pain is caused by another condition, but some painful conditions — like heart disease or multiple sclerosis — can be serious.
Difficulty swallowing
Some men may report trouble swallowing but then ignore it. They might change their diet to a more liquid diet. They start to drink more soup. Swallowing difficulties may be a sign of a gastro intestinal cancer, such as cancer of the esophagus. Please see your doctor if you are having trouble swallowing.
Blood where it should not be
Anytime you see blood coming from a body part where you have never seen it before, see a doctor. If you start coughing up blood, spitting up blood, have blood in the bowel or in the urine consult your doctor. It is a mistake to assume blood in the stool is simply from a hemorrhoid. It could be colon cancer as well.
Conclusion
Men are notorious for ignoring symptoms and failing to see their doctor on a regular basis. Many cancers can be detected at an early stage if men see their doctor regularly. When they notice any abnormal symptoms they should seek medical attention. Many cancers can be cured if they are diagnosed early and treatment started in a timely fashion. All men are encouraged to take a more proactive role in their own health. Make greater use of the preventative services that are now available.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
