The 3 Most Common Cancers in Men
The 3 Most Common Cancers in Men and What You Can Do About Them
June is Men’s Health Month—a reminder that when it comes to cancer, what you don’t know can hurt you. The good news? Many of the most common cancers affecting men can be prevented, detected early, or treated more successfully when caught in time. From prostate and colorectal cancer to lung cancer, here’s what every man should know about protecting his health.
The Most Common Cancer in Men After Skin Cancer
About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime. African American men are at higher risk and are about 70% more likely to develop prostate cancer and more likely to die from it than men of other racial and ethnic groups.
Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells form in the prostate gland and begin to grow out of control. In many cases, the disease grows slowly and may not cause symptoms early on. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Pain or burning during urination
- Blood in the urine
Because early-stage prostate cancer often has no warning signs, screening and informed decision-making are important. The American Cancer Society recommends that men have a conversation with their healthcare provider about screening:
- Starting at age 50 for men at average risk
- Starting at age 45 for those at higher risk, including African American men and those with a close family history
Screening may include a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and, in some cases, a digital rectal exam. Elevated PSA levels can be caused by several conditions—not just cancer—so results should always be interpreted in consultation with a healthcare provider.
When detected early, prostate cancer has a five-year survival rate of over 99%, making early detection a key factor in successful outcomes.
The Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, accounting for about 1 in 5 cancer deaths. It causes more deaths each year than breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers combined.
The primary risk factor for lung cancer is smoking. About 80–90% of lung cancer cases are linked to tobacco use, including exposure to secondhand smoke. However, lung cancer can also occur in people who have never smoked—about 20% of cases are diagnosed in nonsmokers—often due to factors such as radon exposure, air pollution, or genetic changes.
Lung cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, which makes early detection more challenging. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
- A persistent cough or coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Chest pain or recurrent respiratory infections
- Hoarseness or fatigue
Because symptoms may not appear until the disease is more advanced, screening plays an important role for those at high risk. Low-dose CT scans re recommended for adults with a significant history of smoking and can help detect lung cancer earlier, when it is more treatable.
While lung cancer remains a serious disease, rates are declining as fewer people smoke and treatments continue to improve—a reminder that prevention and early detection can make a meaningful impact.
Don’t Ignore Your Colon Health
Colorectal cancer is often referred to as colon cancer. About 1 in 24 men will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, parts of the digestive system that process and eliminate waste. Most cancers start as small, noncancerous growths called polyps, which can develop into cancer over time if not detected and removed.
In many cases, colorectal cancer develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas, or pain)
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Because symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed, screening is critical. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults at average risk begin regular screening at age 45, with options including colonoscopy, stool-based tests, or other imaging exams. Those with a family history or higher risk may need to start earlier.
While most cases are still diagnosed in adults over age 50, rates are increasing in younger individuals, making awareness at all ages important. The good news is that colorectal cancer is often preventable and highly treatable when detected early, especially when precancerous polyps are found and removed through screening.
Learn More Here
Many of the most common cancers affecting men can be prevented, detected early, or treated more successfully when caught in time. From prostate and colorectal cancer to lung cancer. View more information about each of these types of cancer using the links below.
Ways to Reduce Your Risk
While aging and genetics are factors we cannot change, there are ways to reduce cancer risk.
- Don’t smoke. The carcinogens in tobacco can damage nearly every organ in the body, increasing risk for cancer and other diseases. If you smoke, find a way to quit. Talk with your doctor and check out resources in your local community and online.
- A diet high in fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains and low in red meat, processed foods and sugar can help reduce cancer risk. Men should limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily to help control your weight and avoid obesity, with the added benefits of increased energy, reduced stress and a healthy boost to the immune system to help fight cancer and other diseases.
- Stay current with screenings. Generally, when cancer is detected in its early stages, treatment is less extensive, outcomes are improved and recovery is faster. Screenings are safe, effective and vital. Talk with your primary health care provider to make the best personal decisions about your health status, the benefits and any risks of testing and how often you should be screened.
