Understanding male-specific cancers

26 November 2024
Lizelle van Antwerpen

Understanding male-specific cancers

Cancer is a significant health concern for everyone, but some types are unique to or predominantly affect men. Male-specific cancers, including prostate, testicular, and penile cancers, each present their own set of challenges and require focused awareness and education.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, a small, walnut-sized organ in the male reproductive system. This gland is crucial for producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. Located just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body), the prostate can be a site for cancer growth.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. While many prostate cancers grow slowly and remain localised within the prostate gland, posing little threat, others can be aggressive and spread quickly. The key to successful treatment is early detection, ideally when the cancer is still confined to the prostate.

Symptoms

In the early stages, prostate cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, however, symptoms may develop, including:

Slow urine flow
Painful or frequent urination
Blood in the urine
Loss of bowel or bladder control
Pain or numbness
Painful ejaculation
Blood in semen

Screening

Two common methods are used to screen for prostate cancer:

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: This blood test measures the level of PSA, a substance produced by the prostate. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, though they can also be caused by other conditions, such as infections or certain medications.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): In this physical exam, a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check for abnormalities.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer occurs when cells in the testicle grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. Although relatively rare, testicular cancer is most common among young men, particularly those between 15 and 35 years old. Most testicular cancers arise from germ cells, which are responsible for producing sperm. These cancers are classified into two main types: seminomas and non-seminomas.

Seminomas: Typically grow slowly and respond well to radiation and chemotherapy.

Non-seminomas: Often grow more rapidly and may be less responsive to treatment. They include several subtypes, such as choriocarcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, teratoma, and yolk sac tumours.

Other, less common forms of testicular cancer include Leydig cell tumours, which arise from testosterone-producing cells, and Sertoli cell tumours, which originate from cells that support sperm growth.

Symptoms

Testicular cancer symptoms can be subtle and easy to overlook, particularly in the early stages. Common symptoms include:

A painless lump or swelling in a testicle
A change in the size or shape of the testicle
A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
A dull ache or pain in the testicle, scrotum, or groin
Tenderness or changes in the breast tissue

Screening

There is no standard or routine screening test for testicular cancer. Most cases are discovered by men themselves, often during self-examination, or occasionally during a routine physical exam by a doctor.

Penile cancer

Penile cancer, or cancer of the penis, is a rare type of cancer that affects the skin and tissues of the penis.

Symptoms

The first noticeable symptom of penile cancer is often a lump, mass, or ulcer on the penis. This may appear as a small bump or a larger, infected sore, typically located on the head or foreskin rather than the shaft. Other symptoms include:

Itching or burning sensation
Discharge
Changes in the colour of the penis
Bleeding or redness
Irritation
Swollen lymph nodes in the groin

Screening

There are no widely recommended screening tests for penile cancer. However, because most penile cancers begin on the skin, they are often detected in their early stages. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, as it increases the likelihood of removing the cancer before it spreads.

Understanding male-specific cancers-prostate, testicular, and penile cancers-is vital for promoting men’s health. Each of these cancers presents unique challenges and necessitates targeted awareness and education. Early detection is a key factor in successful treatment, and recognising symptoms early can significantly improve outcomes.

By staying informed about these cancers, their symptoms, and the importance of screenings, men can take proactive steps towards maintaining their health.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical/financial advice. Please consult with a healthcare/financial professional for personalised guidance.

REFERENCES

Can Penile Cancer Be Found Early? 2018, American Cancer Society, viewed 1 August 2024:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/penile-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/detection.html

Penile Cancer 2024, WebMD, viewed 1 August:
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/penile-cancer-overview

Penile Cancer (Cancer of the Penis) 2022, Healthline, viewed 1 August:
https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer-penis

Prostate Cancer 2024, Mayo Clinic, viewed 1 August 2024:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087

Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Staging, and Treatment n.d., Supernutritious, viewed 1 August 2024:
https://supernutritious.net/prostate-cancer-symptoms-staging-and-treatment/

Testicular Cancer 2023, Cancer Council, viewed 1 August:
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/testicular-cancer

Testicular Cancer 2023, Urology Care Foundation, viewed 1 August 2024:
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/t/testicular-cancer

Testicular Cancer Screening (PDQ®)–Patient Version 2023, National Cancer Institute, viewed 1 August 2024:
https://www.cancer.gov/types/testicular/patient/testicular-screening-pdq