Knowing yourself can help you save your life, and that is what knowing how to recognize the symptoms of cancer that your body may be giving you and you do not know.
You may have forgotten the toaster in the morning and the bread burned; Or maybe you neglected your homework and received a drop in points; maybe you forgot the business appointment you had scheduled on Friday morning with that person who contacted you; none of that will have life or death repercussions. But when you forget about certain medical symptoms, especially those that portend cancer, the repercussions can be much more serious.
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Know the symptoms of cancer to take action.
The Cancer Society estimates that so far in 2014, approximately 1.6 million new cases of cancer have been diagnosed in the United States and nearly 600,000 people have lost their lives from the disease.
A late detection of cancer symptoms can give the disease time to spread and become an irreversible burden. The symptoms are misleading in that they can be seemingly normal events. The following cancer symptoms are inherently mundane things to pay attention to and consider looking at with a doctor if they persist.
1. Bleeding between periods (women only).
A bit of spotting when it is not the time of the menstrual cycle can be caused by a change in hormone levels, inflammation of the cervix, stress, and blood thinners. It is good to have a medical checkup for the likelihood of endometrial cancer in the uterus if the spotting happens more than once.
2. Bloating (women only).
About one in ten people experience bloating on a regular basis, and women are particularly susceptible to it. It is a common ailment of dietary tendencies, indigestion, PMS and pregnancy, but persistent bloating may be subject to concern. If your swelling lasts for more than two weeks or is coupled with bleeding and weight loss, check with your doctor about your risk of ovarian cancer.
3. Changes in the testicles (males only).
If you notice a lump, swelling, pain or discomfort, with or without inflammation or any other change in your testicles, see your doctor, as it can indicate testicular cancer that can grow quite quickly. Some doctors recommend that men ages 15 to 55 do a monthly self-exam to identify any changes.
4. Problems urinating (men only).
Having an enlarged prostate gland is common among men as they age and can cause some problems with urination, such as the need to urinate more often, especially at night or difficulty starting to urinate or having a weak stream. But these can also be symptoms of prostate cancer. Visit your doctor to check the cause of the problem.
5. Breast changes.
The breast cancer is one of the most common forms of disease worldwide, affecting both men and women. The Cancer Society specifies that this part of the body should be closely analyzed by a specialist, such as the change in the structure of the breast, the appearance of lumps or changes in the skin or nipple.
It is important to remember that these signs are not definitive proof of existing breast cancer. They can sometimes indicate smaller hormonal or health factors, so visiting an expert can clear up any ambiguities. But there are also more sneaky indicators of breast cancer that many people overlook.
6. Blood in urine or stool.
Healthy digestion is important for a healthy life. If you feel uncomfortable during digestion and notice any redness in your stool or urine, you should immediately seek medical attention. This is usually an indicator of colon cancer or kidney cancer and should be evaluated by a specialist as soon as possible.
7. Changes in moles.
The skin cancer is the most common form with about one in five people can develop it at some point in their lives. Women have been remarkably susceptible to various types of skin cancer, including deadly melanoma. One of the most common indicators of skin cancer is the appearance or change in the appearance of moles. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using the ABDCE mole evaluation method : asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolution.
8. Sudden effortless weight loss.
We know that this symptom seems like a godsend to some, considering the growing desire of many to lose weight or lose weight. But if you experience significant weight loss without any change in diet or exercise, you should be more concerned than relieved. There are again many different explanations for this, but a person should not rule out the possibility of cancer of the pancreas, lung, or stomach.
9. Persistent unexplained pain.
Pain can be the result of numerous conditions, but ongoing pain that is unexplained and lasts for a month or more may indicate bone, brain, or other cancers. Ask your doctor about any suspicious, prolonged, and unexplained pain.
10. Unusual and persistent fatigue.
It’s completely normal for you to feel worn out in a busy millennial society. But what happens when you really haven’t done much with your day, and you still experience lingering tiredness? If you are on a reasonable diet and sleep, and still experience tiredness, the root of the problem should be considered and discussed with a doctor.
11. Difficulty swallowing.
From time-to-time people experience a sore or dry throat that makes swallowing difficult, known as dysphagia. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience to some, it is also sometimes caused by cancer in the mouth , throat, or esophagus. If you have trouble ingesting food or fluids, especially if it is a regular occurrence, you should be evaluated by a medical professional.
12. Cough.
This is probably one of the most mundane and diverse symptoms on the list. There are a ton of different reasons why people cough, and more often than not, they are non-trivial and temporary in nature. It is when the cough persists for weeks that someone should voice their concern. If you find yourself in pain or shortness of breath during a cough it could be serious. If you cough up blood, it’s serious. Smokers should pay special attention to coughing, as it is the most common sign of lung cancer.
13. Acidity.
For avid coffee drinkers and connoisseurs of spicy food, heartburn can be a very familiar struggle. Other people struggle with acid reflux due to biological dispositions. But if you’ve tried to alleviate heartburn with an altered routine and haven’t seen any results, you need to locate the root of the problem.
Heartburn can be an indicator of cancer in the ovaries, heart, and esophagus. Studies show that persistent heartburn can actually increase your chances of throat cancer, so immediate attention is required.
14. Fever.
Having a high temperature is a normal part of almost everyone’s life at some point. Like many of the symptoms mentioned above, there could be multiple explanations for the discomfort caused by fever. It is when the fever refuses to go away or occurs in severe conditions that you should voice your concern. There are many different types of cancers that advertise with long-term fever.
15. Changes in lymph nodes.
The lymphatic system plays an important role in fighting infection and absorbing excess fluids, fats, and toxic waste material from your entire body. Some areas where lymph nodes are commonly swollen are found in the neck, groin, and armpits. While common infections can cause lymphatic swelling, some cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, can also cause this symptom.
Consult a doctor before you worry.
This list may seem a little scary, but there’s no need to worry right out of the box. Each of these symptoms can be linked to ailments much less serious than cancer, so don’t stress yourself until you’ve been thoroughly evaluated by a professional. With such a serious illness, it helps to take the extra precautions when you are skeptical of a symptom mentioned above.