Early Signs Of Cancer You Should Not Ignore

Cancer is one of the most severe health diseases, which takes around 600,000 in the US every year. One in three people has cancer during their life. Early detection of cancer can prove fundamental for successful treatment.

Treatment of cancer is more accessible if you notice early warning signs. By paying attention to your body, you can beat this disease. From shortness of breath, unexplained pain, decreasing immune cells, development of lumps to change in bladder habits, any sudden change in the body can be a cancer symptom. 

Mass/Lump

If you notice any mass or lump present for quite a long time or is growing, it can be cancerous. So do check it by a doctor through tests like CT scan or ultrasound. 

Unexplained Weight Loss

Another early sign of cancer is losing weight without any exercise or diet plan. There can be many reasons behind sudden weight loss like stress, depression, skipping meals, or loss of appetite but an unexplainable weight loss of ten pounds or more may be a sign of cancer. Stomach cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer also cause loss of appetite. Cancers such as colon cancer prevent it from absorbing nutrients from food leading to weight loss. Certain cancers cause mild nausea resulting in appetite loss. 

Pain

If you feel a new and persistent discomfort, don’t ignore it. Usually, most cancer is painless, but unexplained and prolonged pain can be something serious.

Change In Bowel Or Bladder Habits

If you feel sudden changes in bladder habits like bleeding in stool or urine, these are signs of colon cancer. Urinating more often or having difficulty while urinating can be symptoms of prostate cancer in men. 

Urinating more often unless you are consuming more fluids or are pregnant can be a symptom of gynecologic cancers. If you experience bloating, abdominal pain, or feel full, then consulting a doctor is necessary.

Fatigue

Extreme tiredness clubbed with other symptoms can be a sign of cancer. Even after getting proper rest, you lack the energy to carry out daily chores or have fun with friends. 

Swollen Lymph Nodes

The lump on the side of the neck is likely due to strep throat or other infections. Less commonly, cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia can cause the lymph nodes to swell. Breast cancer can also cause lymph nodes to swell under the arms.

Change In A Mole Or Wart

If you notice any sudden change in warts, moles, or freckles on your body, then you can check up with your doctor. You are more prone to skin cancer if you have fair skin, over 50 moles, or too much sun exposure. If you fall into one of these categories, think about scheduling a yearly full-body screening. 

Unusual Bleeding Or Discharge

If you come across any unusual bleeding or discharge like:

• Blood In The Urine
• Blood In Your Stool
• Vaginal Bleeding
• Bloody Discharge From The Nipple

Bleeding in stool can mean a lot of things. For example, bright red blood may be due to bleeding in the intestines or rectum. In comparison, the darker color would indicate a stomach ulcer. Bleeding in urine can be due to bladder or kidney cancer or a problem of kidney stones or urinary tract. But it is essential to consult the doctor and conduct necessary tests like a colonoscopy.

Indigestion Or Trouble Swallowing’

Some benign throat diseases can cause swallowing issues, but indigestion or difficulty swallowing can also signify esophageal cancer. So if you have trouble swallowing pills or meat, it can be concerning.

Heavy Night Sweats

Heavy night sweats, especially in women, can be alarming and is worth consulting a doctor.

Nagging Cough Or Hoarseness

Cough and cold are usually short-term, but persistent cough accompanied by weight loss, hoarseness, chest pain, shortness of breath can be warning signs for lung cancer.  

Skin Changes And Sore Formation

A clear sign of skin cancer is a sore that looks different and does not heal. Consult a dermatologist if you notice these changes in a sore:

• Enlarged Or Thickened 
• Changed Color 
• Strangely Shaped Border 
• Bigger Than A Pencil Eraser

Nipple ulcers may be a sign of breast cancer. 

Fever That Doesn’t Go Away

High temperature is usually a sign of infection. But certain cancers, like leukemia, kidney cancer, lymphoma, lung cancer, can cause your body temperature to rise over 100.5 degrees for a long time. Consult your doctor as this might be very serious.

Shortness Of Breath

There can be many reasons behind shortness of breath like your body needs more exercise. But if you feel out of breath even while performing everyday activities like walking stairs, it may be severe. 

Conclusion

Fighting against cancer can be challenging, but you can easily win against it if you identify it early. However, the appearance of any symptoms suddenly or for a long time can be severe and dangerous and is worth consulting a doctor. 

Consuming a balanced and healthy diet, saying no to tobacco, getting regular medical care, and being physically active can help you beat cancer. Pay attention to what your body says and if you notice any sign, talk to your doctor.