Cancer is has become one of the most dreaded diseases in the world. There are more than hundred types of cancer including the breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer lung cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer and throat cancer. About hereditary cancer, it is good to know whether you have the genes early enough so that you can manage the signs early as well.
Cancer symptoms may not be taken seriously during the early stages as they look just like the universal signs of other diseases. It is advisable to pay attention to your body even on the small changes. Cancer is treatable through chemotherapy, radiation or surgeries when found on the early stages .Some symptoms are specifically linked to cancer whereas others may not necessarily mean you have cancer. It is recommended that one should go for cancer screening to remove any doubts.
Below we discuss some eleven of the early warning signs;
- Lumps
This one is a universal sign of cancer symptoms. Some lumps are benign which means they are not harmful to your body. But if you realise the lump is out of place and is growing with time, it is advisable to go for check-up. Lumps can be found when showering, apply soap throughout the body and massage all over. If you notice any lump, pay attention to it so that next time you check and find it has grown or another one has come up; that could be a sign of cancer.
- Frequent Urination
Unless you have taken a lot of fluids or are in the third trimester in pregnancy for ladies, frequent urination indicates a serious problem in the body. It could mean that you have diabetes or prostate cancer in men more so if it is characterised by pain, leaking and blood.
- Changes in Bowel Movement
Pay attention to your bowel pattern. If you start having frequent constipation and diarrhoea, it is a sign of serious problem in the body. Blood stained stool, persistent pain in the abdominal area or when passing stool could indicate colon or colorectal cancer.
- Indigestion
Indigestion can be a sign of other health issues but if you get heartburns or feel stomach pains after eating it could mean you have cancer. Also if you are constantly using antacids, it is advisable to see the doctor.
- Sores
Skin cancer and oral cancer are often diagnosed by sores. Sore throat in the long term could point out to throat cancer while persistent skin itching and wounds could mean underlying skin cancer. Cancer of the genitals is first characterised by feeling sores in the genital area.
- Weight Loss
Cancer steals the body’s nutrients and makes one to lose weight so fast. If you are not dieting and you are shedding pounds in unusual speed, visit the physician. Cancer of the stomach, pancreas, lung or throat makes one lose weight.
- Constant Fever and Fatigue
If you find yourself having constant fever and are feeling extremely tired all the time, it may be a sign that you have leukaemia or cancer of the blood. Colon cancer also makes one to lose blood and causes fatigue.
- Bleeding
Bleeding is not a good sign at all. Bleeding nipple could mean breast cancer, vaginal bleeding could indicate vaginal cancer whereas coughing up blood could indicate you have lung cancer.
Be concerned also about skin moles that bleed. It is sign that the skin has been weakened or the blood vessels are fragile. When the moles change shape, becomes itchy and bleed it could indicate cancer of the skin.
- White Patches on The Tongue (Leukoplakia)
If on sticking your tongue you see white patches, it could mean you may catch mouth cancer early. People who smoke or chew tobacco are more likely to get this condition called Leukoplakia .However; mouth cancer can be stopped early if this condition is found early enough.
- Perpetual Pain
When you have pain in the body whether headache, stomach ache or joint pain that doesn’t seem to go away it could be indicating cancer. You can differentiate occasional pain of when you are hurt from the other which is recurrent. Back pain, pelvic pain and bloating could indicate ovarian cancer. Visit the doctor.
- Night Sweats
If you are having unexplained night sweats and you have not hit menopause, it is a warning sign that cancer is advancing. You may overlook night sweating and think it is harmless but if it is not summer or your air conditioner isn’t working, go and see the doctor.
In summary, do not ignore any sign that you feel is unhealthy. It is advisable to have yearly check-ups and do screening to rule out any possible signs of cancer.
