What cancer are you at risk to develop at your age? Cancer risk is different for men with each decade of life

The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 1.3 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States this year (excluding skin cancers). More than 1,500 people die every day because of cancer. It is our second-leading cause of death, surpassed only by heart disease.

For nearly all cancers, rates are higher among men than women. Cancer incidence also exhibits considerable racial variation, with African-American males having 22 percent higher total incidence of cancer compared to Caucasian males. Native Americans have the lowest cancer rates, exhibiting about one third of the rate experienced by African-Americans.

The most commonly occurring cancers among men (other than skin cancer) are those of the prostate, lung, and then colon. The order changes when you consider cancer deaths. In males, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, followed by prostate and then colon cancer. Although most people fear cancer, few people realize that an individual's risk of certain types of cancer changes with each decade of life. For example, the most common cancer in a 20-year-old male is totally different from the most common cancer for a man in his 40s.

20s Most men during their 20s are thinking primarily about their career and relationships. Cancer is usually not a primary concern. However, the occurrence of testicular cancer in several sports notables, including ice skater Scott Hamilton, cyclist Lance Armstrong, and baseball player John Kruk, has brought considerable attention to the disease for younger men.

The highest incidence for testicular cancer is from age 25 to 30, with the risk decreasing after age 30 and reaching nearly zero by age 40. There are 5,500 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year. The reason for the high occurrence in young men is unknown. It is known, however, that there is a higher-than-normal risk in men whose testicles have not completely descended into the scrotum.

Testicles are normally very smooth and oval in shape. There is only a small, soft tube that connects to each testicle. Frequently one testicle will be larger than the other. Testicular cancer presents as a painless hard growth on the otherwise smooth surface of the testicle. The tumor will remain painless regardless of its size. Unfortunately, there is no blood test for early detection of this disease. Males are encouraged to perform regular monthly checks for any physical changes. A physician should examine any testicular irregularities.

Fortunately, this is a highly curable cancer. After removal of the diseased testicle, chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment. The cure rates are greater than 99 percent if the cancer is localized to the testicle. Even if the disease has spread to other organs (most commonly the lymph nodes, lungs, bones, and brain), the cure rates are still greater than 80 percent.

30s The decade of thirty-something carries two main cancer risks. First is testicular cancer, which decreases as the decade proceeds. The second cancer risk is lymphoma, a common malignancy from age 30 to 50. NHL hockey player Mario Lemieux is a survivor of lymphoma.

Many who develop lymphoma have previously been infected by the Epstein-Barr virus (the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis).

Lymphoma typically presents as painless enlarged lymph nodes. Non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and low-grade fevers may also be present. Many factors can cause lymph nodes to swell, including trauma, infection, irritation, and inflammation. However, in all of these situations, the lymph nodes will likely be very tender to touch and, given a small amount of time, will return to normal size. In, lymphoma they tend to remain enlarged and painless. Unfortunately, there is no blood test for detection of this disease. Individuals are encouraged to see a physician if any lymph nodes remain enlarged longer than two weeks.

There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The cure rates are generally very good for both types. As with most cancers the earlier the disease is detected and treated, the better the chance of survival. Radiation and, if the cancer is more advanced, chemotherapy are used for treatment. There are a limited number of very advanced, aggressive lymphomas that carry a poor prognosis.

40s Men typically start thinking about cancer risk during this decade. Lymphoma is still a significant possibility during this period; however, this is the decade when colon and prostate cancers begin to be considerable risks. The American Cancer Society recommends beginning screening during this time for both of these diseases if you are at high risk.

There are 150,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed in the U.S. each year. One in 20 persons develop this disease in their lifetime. A diet high in fat and red meat and low in vegetable fiber is associated with a greater risk. In addition, any family history of colon cancer increases lifetime risk of developing this malignancy threefold.