By GORDON J. RAFOOL Gessler Clinic Published: Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 7:05 a.m. last Modified: Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 7:05 a.m.

the American Cancer Society has listed five most common causes of cancer in men and women. They do not take into consideration, though, that in both sexes skin cancer is the most common cancer.

Skin cancers are extremely prevalent in both sexes. It is known that sunlight will definitely contribute to skin cancers. Most skin cancers are easily treated and because they are on the skin, they are generally detected early. the only skin cancer that is much more aggressive and is the kind of cancer of the skin that no one wants is a melanoma. Melanoma is the kind of cancer that develops from a mole and changes rapidly and will spread in a much shorter time than any other type of skin cancer.

The five most common cancers in men are prostate, lung, colon and rectum, bladder cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. For women, it is very similar, but instead of prostate, it is breast cancer, but both of these cancers, breast and prostate are in the same general class.

The majority of cancers are adenocarcinomas. the second most common in a woman is lung and, third, is colorectal, and the fourth is uterine cancer in a woman, but the fifth is the same as in a man and that is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. For both men and women, the leading cause of hormonal-derived cancers, meaning that in the man it is the prostate and in the woman it is breast. In men, it is known that testosterone plays a role in prostate cancer, whereas in the woman, estrogen plays a role in breast cancer.

The second most common cancers in both men and women is lung cancer, and there is no question that the environment plays a significant role in this. the leading cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoke, either directly by the person or someone smoking around them.

Most people are familiar with colorectal, bladder, and uterine cancer. Cancers that most people do not recognize are those known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This is a group of cancers that actually are approximately 20 different kind of diseases. It is a cancer that affects the blood system and its proteins. It is more common in older patients and in patients whose immune system is not functioning normally. It is seen in people who have had organ transplants and those people who are infected with HIV. This group of cancers shows strong evidence of some type of virus as a possible cause.

The first symptoms of this kind of cancer can be a painless enlargement of lymph nodes, primarily in the neck, arm or groin. That is why it is a good idea if a person is experiencing an enlargement of lymph nodes, they should see their doctor right away for an evaluation.

There are many treatments today for cancer. these treatments are effective in many cases. It is important for anyone 40 years and older to have a complete evaluation by their family doctor on a regular basis.

Dr. Gordon J. Rafool is a specialist in family practice and geriatrics at Gessler Clinic in Winter Haven.

i have what looks like a mole on my back it has changed somewhat in size however i have a lot of pain in the area around it and what seems like a mass i'm worried how do i know if its cancer? what are some other symptoms?

Cancer Symptoms

Since prevention is one of the most important cancer-fighting tools, it is important that cancer be detected as early as possible before it spreads.

Telltale Signs of Cancer include: A lump or thickening in the breast or testicles; a change in a wart or mole; a skin sore or a persistent sore throat that doesn't heal; a change in bowel or bladder habits; a persistent cough or coughing blood; constant indigestion or trouble swallowing; unusual bleeding or vaginal discharge; and chronic fatigue.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see a physician for testing. we also have a web page that lists some of the tests that are available to detect cancer.

The following are symptoms that may occur in specific types of cancers:

Bladder cancer: Blood in the urine, pain or burning upon urination; frequent urination; or cloudy urine

Bone cancer: Pain in the bone or swelling around the affected site; fractures in bones; weakness, fatigue; weight loss; repeated infections; nausea, vomiting, constipation, problems with urination; weakness or numbness in the legs; bumps and bruises that persist

Brain cancer: Dizziness; drowsiness; abnormal eye movements or changes in vision; weakness, loss of feeling in arms or legs or difficulties in walking; fits or convulsions; changes in personality, memory or speech; headaches that tend to be worse in the morning and ease during the day, that may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting

Breast cancer: A lump or thickening of the breast; discharge from the nipple; change in the skin of the breast; a feeling of heat; or enlarged lymph nodes under the arm

Colorectal cancer: Rectal bleeding (red blood in stools or black stools); abdominal cramps; constipation alternating with diarrhea; weight loss; loss of appetite; weakness; pallid complexion

Kidney cancer: Blood in urine; dull ache or pain in the back or side; lump in kidney area, sometimes accompanied by high blood pressure or abnormality in red blood cell count

Leukemia: Weakness, paleness; fever and flu-like symptoms; bruising and prolonged bleeding; enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, liver; pain in bones and joints; frequent infections; weight loss; night sweats

Lung cancer: Wheezing, persistent cough for months; blood-streaked sputum; persistent ache in chest; congestion in lungs; enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

Melanoma: Change in mole or other bump on the skin, including bleeding or change in size, shape, color, or texture

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: Painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin; persistent fever; feeling of fatigue; unexplained weight loss; itchy skin and rashes; small lumps in skin; bone pain; swelling in the abdomen; liver or spleen enlargement

Oral cancer: A lump in the mouth, ulceration of the lip, tongue or inside of the mouth that does not heal within a couple of weeks; dentures that no longer fit well; oral pain, bleeding, foul breath, loose teeth, and changes in speech

Ovarian cancer: Abdominal swelling; in rare cases, abnormal vaginal bleeding; digestive discomfort

Pancreatic cancer: Upper abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss; pain near the center of the back; intolerance of fatty foods; yellowing of the skin; abdominal masses; enlargement of liver and spleen

Prostate cancer: Urination difficulties due to blockage of the urethra; bladder retains urine, creating frequent feelings of urgency to urinate, especially at night; bladder not emptying completely; burning or painful urination; bloody urine; tenderness over the bladder; and dull ache in the pelvis or back

Stomach cancer: Indigestion or heartburn; discomfort or pain in the abdomen; nausea and vomiting; diarrhea or constipation; bloating after meals; loss of appetite; weakness and fatigue; bleeding – vomiting blood or blood in the stool

Uterine cancer: Abnormal vaginal bleeding, a watery bloody discharge in postmenopausal women; a painful urination; pain during intercourse; pain in pelvic area

Alongside the funky mole, there are 5 signs of skin cancer that often shows. They are Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter and Evolve/Elevation. and easiest way to distinguish is the color, skin cancer growths are frequently multicolored in appearance, and may be black, white, brown, red, or blue. however, moles can also have a bluish tint to them. this signals melanoma.

one type almost looks like a scab, brown or black in color and at times can itch and)or get flaky. another type looks the same as skin does, almost like a skin tag. Raised and firm kinda like a bug bite looks like. these can also get itchy but don't discolor or get flaky. Both of these types are of the safer variety and don't normally cause other issues. those are the only 2 that I have knowledge about. there are other types from what I understand also.

Not really in the early stages…as the cancer spreads you would be experience more harsh symptoms.

But often the moles will bleed, and there could be some pain the area.