Many cancer symptoms mimic the signs of other conditions or diseases, therefore, it is very easy to brush them aside. As the doctors all agreed on: Know your body, if you notice changes that persists, or an unusual pain that gets worse, go to the doctor.
While most articles discuss ways to “prevent” cancer, it is very important to note that sometimes, it is truly out of your control. Between heritage, family history, gender, age, and ethnicity, there are many things that are present in your DNA, that affects your cancer risk.
1. Bloating
According to Marleen Meyers, MD, an oncologist at NYU Langone Medical Center, “Women are natural bloaters,”. “It’s alright to wait a 1-2 weeks to see if it goes away.”
If your symptoms does not get better with time, or if they occur with weight loss or bleeding, consult a doctor.
Constant bloating could be a sign of cancer, and this includes breast, colon, gastrointestinal, ovarian, uterine or pancreatic cancer. Depending on other symptoms, you will need to undergo tests which could include blood tests or pelvic exam, a colonoscopy, a mammogram, a CT scan or an ultrasound, to look for the cause of the problem.
2. Blood in the Stool
Blood in your stool can be scary. But, many people are blaming hemorrhoids on constipation.
While hemorrhoids are very common (about 75% of the population will get them at some point in their lives), blood in your stool should never be ignored without seeking medical attention. Blood in a bowel movement is not normal and should always be checked out.
Blood in the stool could indicate serious problems such as colon cancer, which is becoming common in people under the age of 50.
3. Breast Changes
Women are aware that bumps and lumps in the breast can be a sign of breast cancer. But, breast dimpling is a lesser-known symptom, which should be taken seriously.
Other breast cancer symptoms include tenderness, swelling, nipple inversion and skin discoloration. It is important to note that if you have these symptoms, it does not mean that you definitely have cancer.
But, it is important not to overlook these symptoms. It is always good to be safe, when it comes to your health!
4. Chronic Coughing
Is it allergies, the common cold, the flu, or something more?
Everyone gets sick from time to time. But, if you have a cough that lasts for 2 weeks or more, and do not have any other typical cold symptoms, this may be a sign of leukemia or lung cancer. Also, coughing up blood is a red flag that something needs immediate attention.
5. Fatigue
Most women are tired because of their hectic lives. But, extreme tiredness that does not go away, is not normal.
Go to a doctor if your fatigue never gets better, or if you have other symptoms, including blood in your stool. Your doctor will ask for a complete medical history, and will give you blood tests.
6. Fever
A fever that does not go away, or cannot be explained could mean other blood cancer or leukemia.
Your doctor should seek details of your medical history, then give you a physical exam to determine the cause.
7. Skin Changes
The ABC’s of Melanoma can help you differentiate between a suspicious spot and run-of-the-mill freckle.
- Asymmetry: 1/2 does not look like the other
- Border: Blurry, irregular edges, or sketchy
- Color: Varied and inconsistent, both brown and black
- Diameter: Bigger than the size of a pencil eraser or 6mm
- Evolution: Any mole that changes over time
The most common form of cancer in the USA, is skin cancer. By performing routine self-exams, and then report any changes to your doctor, you can detect cancer early and save your own life.
Sources:
Web MD
Run Healthy Lifestyle
15-40.org
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3. Never Ignore These 5 Common Symptoms That Could Indicate Cancer
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