10 Signs and Symptoms of Cancer You Shouldn't Ignore
Cancer is a complex group of diseases with many possible causes. It is critical to recognize the early warning signs and symptoms, as early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. Below is a list of ten warning signs and symptoms of cancer that should not be ignored. While these symptoms can also be linked to other illnesses, persisting occurrences warrant a consultation with a healthcare provider.
1. Unexplained Weight Loss
Many people with cancer experience significant weight loss at some point. An unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be the first sign of cancer. This happens most often with cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.
2. Fever
Fever can be a common symptom of various benign conditions, but it is particularly prevalent in cancer. Persistent or recurring fever can signal a hidden cancer, such as lymphoma. Leukemia also might cause symptoms like fever, frequent infections, aches, fatigue, and other flu-like symptoms.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue in cancer differs from the usual tiredness you're familiar with. It's a profound exhaustion that doesn’t get better with rest and is often debilitating. It can be an early sign of cancer, such as leukemia, or it might occur when the cancer has grown or spread.
4. Pain
Pain may be an early symptom of cancers like bone or testicular cancer. A headache that does not go away or respond to treatment may be a symptom of a brain tumor. Similarly, back pain can indicate colon, rectum, or ovary cancer. Any persistent pain, especially unexplained pain, merits a discussion with your doctor.
5. Skin Changes
Another visible sign of cancer can be changes to the skin, such as darkening, yellowing, reddening, itching or excessive hair growth. These changes might indicate skin cancer or, sometimes, internal cancer affecting the liver, kidney, or gastrointestinal tract.
6. Change in Bowel or Bladder Habits
Long-term constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the size of the stool may be a sign of colon cancer. Similarly, any changes in bladder habits, frequent urination, blood in urine (often mistaken as infections), or any related symptoms can be signs of bladder or prostate cancer.
7. Indigestion or Trouble Swallowing
Difficulties in swallowing or persistent indigestion could point to cancers of the throat or esophagus. While these symptoms can often be caused by non-cancerous conditions, persistent issues merit an examination.
8. Lumps or Thickening on the Body
Many cancers can be felt through the skin, particularly in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes, and soft tissues of the body. A lump, thickening, or the enlargement of a lymph node that does not resolve over time should be evaluated medically.
9. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness
A persistent cough or hoarse throat that does not resolve after several weeks can be a sign of lung, laryngeal, thyroid cancer, or leukemia. Blood or a significant change in voice tone warrants a serious examination.
10. White Spots on the Mouth or Tongue
White patches inside the mouth or on the tongue that do not heal could be leukoplakia, a pre-cancerous area that can lead to mouth cancer. If you notice such changes and they don't go away within two weeks, see your doctor.
It is important to remember that these symptoms can also be attributed to many other non-cancerous conditions. However, persisting or multiple symptoms that do not resolve themselves over time must be checked out by a medical professional. Early detection is key in managing and treating cancer effectively. A visit to the doctor for regular check-ups and screenings is always recommended. By being vigilant and responsive to your body's signs, you can take a crucial step towards early detection and treatment of potential cancerous conditions.