The most common warning signs of cancer in men are: blood in the urine or stool, changes in passing urine (trouble starting, a weak flow, needing to go often, especially at night), a painless lump or change in a testicle, a lump in the breast, a cough or hoarse voice that does not get better, a mouth ulcer that has lasted more than 3 weeks, and unexplained weight loss [1, 3, 4]. Most of the time these symptoms have a simpler cause, such as a benign enlarged prostate or an infection [1, 4]; but if a symptom has lasted several weeks, see a doctor, and always have blood in the urine checked, even if it happened only once and without pain [1, 3].
Key points
- The most common cancers in men worldwide are lung and prostate cancer; each makes up about 1 in every 7 cancers in men. They are followed by cancers of the bowel (colon and rectum), stomach and liver [2].
- Blood in the urine, even once and without pain, should be checked; the UK national guideline treats it, at 45 and over, as a reason for fast-track referral to check for bladder and kidney cancer [3].
- Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 20 to 39 and can usually be cured, even when it has spread [5]; show any new lump or change in a testicle to a doctor promptly.
- A benign enlargement of breast tissue (gynaecomastia) is very common in men, and breast cancer in men is rare [7]; but men can get breast cancer too, and any new breast lump should be examined [6].
- Men see doctors less often than women [8]; do not wait for a symptom to go away on its own.
Signs of cancer in men at a glance
| Symptom | Which cancer it may point to | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Trouble starting to pass urine, a weak or stop-start flow, needing to pass urine often, especially at night, or feeling the bladder has not emptied | Prostate cancer, or a benign enlarged prostate, which is not cancer [4] | See a doctor; they may suggest a PSA blood test and a prostate examination [3] |
| Blood in the urine (red, pink or brown urine), even without pain and even once | Bladder or kidney cancer [1, 3] | See a doctor soon [3] |
| A painless lump or swelling in a testicle, or a change in its size, shape or firmness | Testicular cancer [3] | See a doctor soon; an ultrasound scan of the testicle is usually needed [3] |
| A lump or thickening in the breast or under the nipple, a nipple turning inwards, or discharge from it | Breast cancer in men; but a benign enlargement of breast tissue (gynaecomastia) is far more common [6, 7] | See a doctor [3] |
| A sore, lump or skin change on the penis that does not heal | Penile cancer [3] | See a doctor |
| Blood in the stool, new diarrhoea or constipation that has lasted several weeks, or iron-deficiency anaemia | Bowel (colorectal) cancer [1, 3] | See a doctor; a stool test or a colonoscopy is usually needed [3] |
| A cough that does not go away, coughing up blood, breathlessness or chest pain | Lung cancer [1, 3] | See a doctor; after the age of 40, have coughing up blood checked promptly [3] |
| A hoarse voice that does not get better, or an unexplained lump in the neck | Cancer of the larynx (voice box) or other head and neck cancers [3] | If it continues, see a doctor, especially if you are 45 or over [3] |
| A mouth ulcer that has lasted more than 3 weeks, or a white or red patch in the mouth | Mouth cancer [1, 3] | See a dentist or a doctor [3] |
| Difficulty swallowing, or indigestion, heartburn and upper tummy pain with weight loss | Stomach or oesophageal cancer [3] | See a doctor; an endoscopy is usually needed [3] |
| Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or a lump in the upper tummy | Liver, pancreatic or gallbladder cancer [3] | See a doctor soon [3] |
| Severe, lasting tiredness, looking pale, fever or one infection after another, unexplained bruising or bleeding | Blood cancer (leukaemia) [3] | A full blood count (CBC) test [3] |
| Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite, a swelling or lump in the neck, armpit or groin, or a new or changing mole | Several types of cancer, including lymphoma and skin cancer [1, 3] | See a doctor so the cause can be found |
This table does not replace an examination by a doctor; in most people these symptoms have another cause, such as an infection or a benign (non-cancerous) growth [1].
Changes in passing urine: prostate cancer or a simple enlarged prostate?
Many men with prostate cancer never have any symptoms [10]. When there are symptoms, they are usually [4]:
- trouble starting to pass urine
- needing to pass urine often, especially at night
- feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely
- a weak or stop-start flow of urine
The same symptoms can come from a benign enlarged prostate or other prostate problems that are not cancer [4]. They are still worth checking: for men with these urinary symptoms, erection problems or visible blood in the urine, the UK national guideline suggests a PSA test and a prostate examination [3]. Read more: symptoms of prostate cancer and does a high PSA mean prostate cancer?
Blood in the urine and bladder cancer in men
Blood in the urine can turn it red, pink or brown, and sometimes it is seen only once. Problems passing urine, pain when passing urine and blood in the urine are signs of bladder cancer [1]. Blood in the urine is sometimes caused by a urine infection; but the UK national guideline says that if you are 45 or over and have visible blood in your urine that is not due to an infection, or that comes back after an infection has been treated, you should be checked quickly for bladder and kidney cancer [3].
Opium use raises the risk of bladder cancer: the International Agency for Research on Cancer considers opium use a cause of cancers of the bladder, larynx (voice box) and lung [9]. Read more: symptoms of bladder cancer, symptoms of kidney cancer and does opium cause cancer?
A lump or change in a testicle
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 20 to 39 [5]. Its main sign is a painless enlargement of a testicle, or a change in its shape or firmness [3]. If you notice a change like this, see a doctor soon; they will usually arrange an ultrasound scan of the testicle [3]. Testicular cancer can usually be cured, even when it has spread [5]. Read more: symptoms of testicular cancer.
A lump in the breast in men: gynaecomastia or breast cancer?
Gynaecomastia means a benign (non-cancerous) growth of the glandular tissue of the breast in a man, and it is very common [7]:
- About half of boys have it in the middle of puberty, and in more than 9 in 10 of them it goes away on its own within 2 years [7].
- In adults it becomes more common with age, and in about half of men an underlying cause is found, such as certain medicines or substances, or hormone, liver, kidney, thyroid or testicular problems [7].
- Gynaecomastia is not a pre-cancerous condition [7].
Breast cancer in men is rare: fewer than 1 in 100 breast cancers occur in men, mostly at older ages [6]. Its signs are [6]:
- a lump or thickening in or near the breast (the most common sign)
- a change in the shape or direction of the nipple, or a nipple turning inwards
- clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
- a sore, redness, scaling, swelling or orange-peel dimpling of the skin of the breast
- swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or near the collarbone
A family history of breast cancer or a BRCA gene change, previous radiotherapy to the chest, and conditions that raise the hormone oestrogen (such as Klinefelter syndrome, liver cirrhosis and obesity) increase the risk [6].
Only a doctor's examination can tell the two apart [7]. Show any new breast lump to a doctor; they will usually examine the testicles too, because a testicular tumour can also cause gynaecomastia [7]. If the examination is not clear, breast imaging (such as a mammogram or an ultrasound scan) is needed, and if anything looks suspicious, a needle biopsy [7].
Cough, hoarse voice and mouth ulcers
Lung cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide [2]. A cough that does not go away, coughing up blood, breathlessness, chest pain, tiredness and loss of weight or appetite are among its symptoms [3]. A hoarse voice that does not get better at 45 and over, and a mouth ulcer that has lasted more than 3 weeks, should also be checked [3].
If you smoke or have smoked cigarettes, waterpipe (hookah) or opium, take these symptoms more seriously; opium is one of the causes of lung and larynx cancer [9]. Read more: symptoms of lung cancer, symptoms of mouth cancer and how much does quitting smoking lower cancer risk?
Bowel and stomach cancer symptoms in men
Bowel (colorectal) cancer is the third and stomach cancer the fourth most common cancer in men worldwide [2]. Guidelines list the same bowel cancer symptoms for men and women: blood in the stool, a change in bowel habit that has lasted several weeks, tummy pain with weight loss, and iron-deficiency anaemia [1, 3]. Difficulty swallowing, or indigestion and upper tummy pain with weight loss after the age of 55, can be symptoms of stomach or oesophageal cancer [3]. Bowel screening for people at average risk starts at 45 [11]. Read more: symptoms of bowel cancer, what does blood in the stool mean?, bowel cancer in young adults and symptoms of stomach cancer.
Do men see a doctor less often?
In a large UK study of nearly 4 million people, men had seen a family doctor about a third less often than women; the gap was largest between the ages of 16 and 60 [8]. Men and women who were taking medicine for the same kind of illness saw the doctor about equally often [8].
A few simple steps help make sure symptoms are not checked too late:
- If a symptom has lasted several weeks, do not wait for it to go away on its own [1].
- Write down your symptoms and when they started, and tell the doctor about all of them.
- Ask about the screening tests that suit your age.
The sooner a problem is found, the sooner it can be treated [1].
When should I contact a doctor?
Most of these symptoms have a simple cause, but in the following cases do not wait; see a doctor within the next few days:
- blood in the urine, even once and without pain [3]
- a lump, swelling or change in the shape of a testicle [3]
- a new lump in the breast or armpit, a nipple turning inwards, or discharge from it [3, 6]
- blood in the stool, or diarrhoea or constipation that has lasted several weeks [1, 3]
- coughing up blood, a cough that has lasted several weeks, or a hoarse voice that does not get better [1, 3]
- a mouth ulcer that has lasted more than 3 weeks [3]
- difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss [3]
Being completely unable to pass urine, a lot of blood in the urine with clots, sudden severe pain in a testicle, coughing up a lot of blood or sudden breathlessness need urgent care; call your local emergency number.
Cancer screening for men by age
| Age | Test | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 45 to 75 | Stool test (FIT) or colonoscopy (bowel cancer) | Stool test every year or colonoscopy every 10 years [11] |
| 50 to 80, with a heavy smoking history | Low-dose CT scan of the chest (lung cancer) | Every year [12] |
| 55 to 69 | PSA blood test (prostate cancer) | A personal decision, after talking with a doctor about the benefits and harms [10] |
| 70 and over | PSA blood test | Not routinely recommended [10] |
A heavy smoking history means at least 20 pack-years (for example, a pack a day for 20 years), and that you still smoke or quit less than 15 years ago [12]. Men with prostate cancer in the family or of African descent are at higher risk; tell your doctor, so that you can make an informed decision about PSA testing [10]. Screening programmes differ between countries; ask your doctor about the one where you live.
To work out your own plan, use the screening tool. Read more: at what age is a screening colonoscopy needed?
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of cancer in men?
Many cancers, such as prostate cancer, cause no symptoms at first [10]; this is why screening matters. The signs men should take most seriously are: blood in the urine or stool, a lump in a testicle or the breast, a cough or hoarse voice that does not get better and unexplained weight loss [1, 3]. Tell a doctor about any symptom that has lasted several weeks [1]. Read more: what are the signs of cancer? and what does sudden weight loss mean?
Is a lump in a man's breast dangerous?
Most of the time, no; gynaecomastia (a benign enlargement of breast tissue) is very common and does not turn into cancer, and breast cancer in men is rare [7]. But men do get breast cancer, especially at older ages [6]. Show any new breast lump to a doctor, especially if it comes with a nipple turning inwards, bloody discharge or skin changes [6].
What are the signs of breast cancer in men?
The most common sign is a lump or thickening in or near the breast. A change in the nipple or a nipple turning inwards, clear or bloody discharge, a sore or skin changes on the breast and swollen lymph nodes in the armpit are also signs [6]. See the section “A lump in the breast in men: gynaecomastia or breast cancer?”.
What are the symptoms of bladder cancer in men?
The most important symptom is blood in the urine, even when there is no pain [1, 3]. Problems passing urine and pain when passing urine can also occur [1]. If you see blood in your urine again after a urine infection has been treated, be sure to go back to the doctor [3]. Read more: symptoms of bladder cancer.
I wake up several times at night to pass urine; do I have prostate cancer?
Is erectile dysfunction a sign of prostate cancer?
Erection problems on their own do not mean cancer. But the UK national guideline suggests considering a PSA test and a prostate examination in men with erectile dysfunction [3]. So do not hide it from your doctor.
My testicular lump does not hurt; does it matter?
Yes. A painless enlargement or change in the shape of a testicle is exactly the sign that needs checking [3]. Testicular cancer can usually be cured, even when it has spread [5]. Read more: symptoms of testicular cancer.
At what age should I have a PSA test?
What are the signs of cancer in women?
Symptoms such as blood in the stool, a lasting cough and unexplained weight loss are shared by both sexes [1]. See the symptoms specific to women on signs of cancer in women.
Referral criteria and diagnostic points in men (for doctors)
For physicians
NICE NG12 (last updated 15 April 2026). Prostate: a prostate that feels malignant on digital rectal examination: suspected cancer pathway referral (1.6.1); consider PSA and DRE for any lower urinary tract symptoms (nocturia, frequency, hesitancy, urgency or retention), erectile dysfunction or visible haematuria (1.6.2); consider referral when PSA is above the age-specific threshold: 40 to 49 years above 2.5, 50 to 59 above 3.5, 60 to 69 above 4.5 and 70 to 79 above 6.5 micrograms/litre; below 40 and above 79, clinical judgement, taking into account the patient's preferences and comorbidities (1.6.3). Bladder and kidney: at 45 and over with unexplained visible haematuria without urinary tract infection, or visible haematuria that persists or recurs after successful treatment of urinary tract infection: refer; at 60 and over with unexplained non-visible haematuria and either dysuria or a raised white cell count: refer for bladder cancer; at 60 and over with recurrent or persistent unexplained urinary tract infection: non-urgent referral (1.6.4 to 1.6.6). Testis: non-painful enlargement or change in shape or texture: consider referral; unexplained or persistent testicular symptoms: urgent ultrasound (1.6.7 and 1.6.8). Penis: a mass or ulcerated lesion once a sexually transmitted infection has been excluded, or a lesion persisting after its treatment (1.6.9 and 1.6.10). Larynx: at 45 and over with persistent unexplained hoarseness or an unexplained neck lump; mouth: unexplained ulceration for more than 3 weeks or a persistent neck lump (1.8.1 and 1.8.2). Breast: at 30 and over with an unexplained breast lump, or at 50 and over with discharge, retraction or other changes of concern in one nipple; these recommendations apply to all people, not only women (1.4.1). Oesophagus and stomach: dysphagia, or at 55 and over with weight loss and upper abdominal pain, reflux or dyspepsia (1.2.1 and 1.2.7) [3].
Gynaecomastia (EAA guideline 2019). Reported prevalence 32% to 65%; in puberty about 50% of mid-pubertal boys, resolving spontaneously within 24 months in more than 90%; in adulthood proper investigation reveals an underlying pathology in about 45% to 50% of cases, and an apparent cause (such as a medicine) should not preclude a detailed work-up. Breast examination should confirm palpable glandular tissue to distinguish gynaecomastia from lipomastia (pseudogynaecomastia) and rule out malignancy; genital examination with testicular ultrasound is recommended because palpation has low sensitivity for testicular tumours. Suggested tests: testosterone, oestradiol, SHBG, LH, FSH, TSH, prolactin, hCG, AFP and liver and renal function. Breast imaging when the clinical examination is equivocal; core needle biopsy directly for suspicious lesions. Gynaecomastia is not a premalignant condition [7]. Male breast cancer accounts for fewer than 1% of breast cancers; risk factors: age, chest radiotherapy, family history, BRCA1/2 and hyperoestrogenic states (Klinefelter syndrome, cirrhosis, testicular disorders, obesity) [6].
Lower consultation rates in men. In routine data from 446 UK practices (1,869,149 men and 1,916,898 women, 2010), the crude consultation rate was 32% lower in men, with the largest gap between 16 and 60 years; among people receiving medication for comparable underlying morbidity the gap largely disappeared (for example, cardiovascular medication: RR 0.950) [8]. Opium (IARC, Group 1, 2020): sufficient evidence for cancers of the urinary bladder, larynx and lung, and limited evidence for the oesophagus, stomach, pancreas and pharynx [9].
Scientific evidence
Scientific evidence
3 itemsScreening for Colorectal Cancer
Screening for Lung Cancer
Screening for Prostate Cancer
Related cancer types
Related questions
References
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