What are the most common cancers in older men?

Oct 22, 2025 3 min read •

senior care Men's Health Oncology

According to the National Cancer Institute, over 80% of all cancer cases are diagnosed in individuals aged 55 or older. This highlights the importance for senior men to understand what are the most common cancers in older men, as age is one of the most significant risk factors for the disease.

Quick Summary

The most common cancers in older men include prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer, along with bladder cancer and melanoma. Factors like cumulative cell damage over time, a weakening immune system, and lifelong exposure to risk factors contribute to higher rates in older age groups. Regular screening and understanding key symptoms are vital for early detection and improving outcomes.

Key Points

Prostate, Lung, and Colorectal Cancer: These are the three most common and deadly cancers affecting older men, with age being a primary risk factor for all three.
Proactive Screening is Crucial: Early detection for prostate (PSA test, DRE), lung (low-dose CT), and colorectal cancer (colonoscopy) can significantly improve outcomes.
Smoking is a Leading Cause: Tobacco use is a major risk factor for both lung and bladder cancer, making smoking cessation a vital preventative measure.
Sun Protection is Essential: Older men are at higher risk for skin cancers like melanoma due to cumulative sun exposure, highlighting the importance of sun safety and regular skin checks.
Know the Symptoms: Blood in the urine (bladder cancer), persistent cough (lung cancer), or changes in bowel habits (colorectal cancer) warrant immediate medical attention.
Family History Matters: A family history of certain cancers, particularly prostate and colorectal, increases an individual's risk and may necessitate earlier screening.

Age and the Increased Risk of Cancer

As men age, their risk for cancer increases significantly. This is due to a combination of factors, including the accumulation of cellular damage over a lifetime, a natural decline in the immune system's effectiveness, and the prolonged exposure to various environmental and lifestyle risk factors.

Prostate Cancer: The Most Common Cancer in Men

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in American men, with the risk rising rapidly after age 50. Most cases are found in men over 65. The prostate is a gland located between the pubic bone and the rectum that helps produce semen.

Key risk factors for prostate cancer include:

Age
Race
Family History
Diet

Symptoms and screening

In its early stages, prostate cancer often has no symptoms. However, as it progresses, signs might include difficulty urinating, a weaker urine flow, or blood in the semen. Early detection is primarily achieved through a PSA blood test and Digital Rectal Exam (DRE).

Lung Cancer: A Leading Cause of Cancer Death

Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in men, with more than half of all cases diagnosed in individuals over 70. The disease is often linked to smoking but can affect non-smokers as well. Other risk factors include radon and occupational exposures. Quitting smoking is the most important preventative step. Low-dose CT scans are recommended for screening in long-time smokers.

Colorectal Cancer: Detection Through Screening

Colorectal cancer is another prevalent cancer among older men, with most diagnoses occurring after age 45. Risk factors include age, family history, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain lifestyle choices. Regular screening via colonoscopy or stool-based tests is highly effective for prevention and treatment.

Bladder Cancer: An Increased Risk in Men

Older men have significantly higher rates of bladder cancer than women. Smoking is a major cause, as are certain industrial chemical exposures. The disease is uncommon before age 60.

Melanoma: The Deadliest Form of Skin Cancer

Men, especially after age 50, are more likely to develop melanoma than women. Lifetime exposure to UV radiation is a primary cause, along with fair skin and family history. Regularly checking your skin for changes using the ABCDE guide is crucial:

Asymmetry: One half does not match the other.
Border: Edges are irregular.
Color: Uneven coloration.
Diameter: Larger than 6mm.
Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color.

Comparison of Common Cancers in Older Men


Cancer Type	Primary Risk Factors	Key Symptoms	Common Screening Methods
Prostate	Age, family history, race	Urinary issues, weak flow	PSA test, Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Lung	Smoking, radon, asbestos	Persistent cough, chest pain	Low-dose CT scan (for high-risk individuals)
Colorectal	Age, family history, polyps	Change in bowel habits, blood in stool	Colonoscopy, FIT test
Bladder	Smoking, chemical exposure	Blood in urine, painful urination	Cystoscopy, urinalysis (for symptoms)
Melanoma	UV exposure, fair skin, family history	Changes in moles (ABCDEs)	Skin self-exam, dermatologist check

Conclusion: The Importance of Proactive Care

Aging is a natural process, but it doesn't have to be a passive one when it comes to health. Knowing what are the most common cancers in older men empowers proactive measures. For more detailed information on preventing, detecting, and treating cancer, consult the {Link: American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org}.

Frequently Asked Questions

The risk of cancer generally begins to increase significantly for men after the age of 50. Studies show that over 80% of all cancer cases are diagnosed in individuals aged 55 or older, with prostate cancer risk rising rapidly after age 50.

The most effective screening tests depend on the type of cancer. For older men, key screenings include the PSA blood test and Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) for prostate cancer, low-dose CT scans for high-risk lung cancer, and colonoscopy or stool tests for colorectal cancer.

Significant risk factors include a history of smoking, which increases the risk of lung and bladder cancers; a family history of cancer, which impacts prostate and colorectal cancer risk; and excessive exposure to UV radiation, which is a major factor for melanoma.

You can reduce your risk by quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, protecting your skin from the sun, and following recommended screening guidelines.

Watch for persistent urinary changes (prostate/bladder), a nagging cough or chest pain (lung), blood in the urine or stool (bladder/colorectal), or unusual moles that change in size, shape, or color (melanoma).

Yes, bladder cancer is more common in men than women, particularly in older age groups. Smoking is a significant risk factor, and men tend to have higher rates of exposure to certain industrial chemicals.

Men should begin discussing prostate cancer screening with their doctor around age 45, especially if they are at higher risk due to race (African American) or family history. For those at average risk, discussions often start at age 50.

Age increases cancer risk for several reasons, including the long-term accumulation of cell damage, a weakening immune system's ability to detect and eliminate cancerous cells, and a lifetime of exposure to various risk factors that contribute to genetic mutations.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.