Nobody wants to think about this.
I understand that completely.
But here's the truth that I keep coming back to.
These five cancers are among the most common killers of men over 50.
And most of them are highly treatable when caught early.
Not manageable. Treatable. Often completely.
The problem is that early stages produce almost no symptoms at all.
Which means most men don't think about them until it's too late to have the easiest conversation.
I want to change that today.
Although I can't give you a complete in-depth breakdown in a single newsletter, I'll do my best to summarize the most important parts here.
For a much more detailed breakdown, I highly recommend Issue 6 of my monthly men's health magazine, Private Practice, which I've just released.
It goes considerably deeper on all five cancers and includes a printable screening page you can take to your next doctor's appointment so you know exactly what to ask for by name.
While you're there, you can also explore the other six issues and my podcast, all available on my Patreon page.
Prostate Cancer
The second leading cause of cancer death in American men.
Yet five-year survival exceeds 97 percent when caught early.
Early-stage prostate cancer often produces zero symptoms.
When symptoms do appear, they can include urinary hesitancy, increased frequency at night, and blood in the urine or semen.
Key risk factors: age over 50, African ancestry, and a first-degree relative diagnosed before 65.
Screening starts at 50 for most men.
Ask your doctor specifically for a PSA blood test and a Digital Rectal Exam at the same visit.
Lung Cancer
The leading cause of cancer death in men globally.
Yet survival rates improve dramatically when found early.
Lung cancer often produces zero early symptoms.
When symptoms do appear, they can include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, and unexplained shortness of breath.
Key risk factors: smoking history, exposure to asbestos or radon, and a family history of lung cancer.
Ask your doctor specifically for a Low-Dose CT scan of the chest.
A standard chest X-ray is not the same test and will not find early lung cancer.
Colorectal Cancer
90 percent five-year survival when caught early.
Under 15 percent when it has spread.
Colorectal cancer often produces zero early symptoms.
When symptoms do appear, they can include rectal bleeding, a persistent unexplained change in bowel habits, and unintentional weight loss.
Key risk factors: age over 45, a diet high in processed meat, inflammatory bowel disease, and a family history of colorectal cancer.
Screening starts at 45 for most men.
Ask your doctor for a colonoscopy, which finds and removes polyps in the same procedure before they ever become cancer.
Bladder Cancer
Men are four times more likely than women to develop it.
Bladder cancer often produces zero early symptoms.
When symptoms do appear, they can include painless blood in the urine, increased urinary frequency, and a burning sensation when urinating.
Key risk factors: smoking, working in the dye, rubber, or chemical industries, and age over 55.
If you see blood in your urine, even once, even if it clears up on its own, see your doctor immediately and ask for an urgent referral.
Melanoma
99 percent five-year survival when caught early.
Melanoma often produces zero early symptoms.
When signs do appear, they can include a mole that changes in size or colour, irregular or blurred borders on a skin lesion, and any spot that bleeds or itches without obvious cause.
Key risk factors: history of blistering sunburns, fair skin, many moles, and a family history of melanoma.
Ask your doctor for an annual full-body skin examination.
Check your own skin monthly, including your scalp, back, and between your toes.
These are not reasons to panic.
They are reasons to pay attention.
The full Issue 6 goes much deeper on all five, including the complete printable screening panel with every test, every blood marker, and every age threshold named specifically so you can ask for each one by name.
Dr. Emma Blake
Nothing in this email constitutes medical advice or a diagnosis. If you are experiencing any symptoms mentioned above, please see a doctor for proper evaluation.