Lung cancer is the leading cause of deaths caused due to cancer in the United States. Lung cancer in men can be caused due to various factors like exposure to radon and asbestos, lung diseases, air pollution, smoking, passive smoking etc. Smoking is the major cause for lung cancer in men. Statistics from the American Cancer Society indicate that men are more likely to develop lung cancer when compared to women.
Symptoms
The symptoms of lung cancer in men include:
- Persistent Pain: Most men diagnosed with lung cancer experience persistent pain in their chest, shoulder or back which is not related to coughing. This may indicate lung cancer. The pain is caused due to the constant pressure applied by the tumour or cancerous growth on the lungs.
- Cough: Persistent cough, breathing difficulty or wheezing which are not connected to any illness or cold may indicate lung cancer. Discharge of blood tinged mucus or coughing up blood are also signs.
- Change in the Voice: If you notice hoarseness in your voice of feel the urge to clear your throat frequently, it may indicate the presence of lung cancer. This is a common symptom and is a result of passageways being blocked by the tumor.
- Recurrent Illnesses: If you are affected by recurrent bouts of respiratory illnesses like pneumonia or bronchitis, lung cancer may be the underlying cause for it.
- Drastic Weight Loss and Fatigue: Due to the difficulty in breathing and illness, most men reduce the intake of food and lose their appetite. This results in drastic and unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
If you notice any of the above mentioned symptoms indicating lung cancer, consult your doctor immediately. Most of the times, these symptoms may be due to various other underlying health conditions. Your doctor will perform tests and examine you to find out the exact cause of these symptoms. Early detection will help in controlling the spread of cancer to other body parts. Based on the results of the tests, your doctor would suggest an appropriate treatment plan.
