There are more than 200 types of cancer. Each type has a different set of symptoms. Every patient exhibits different signs depending on the cancer type. Even some patients exhibit no symptoms at all. It does not mean that spotting the signs of cancer is impossible. But identifying general symptoms might help in the timely diagnosis. A yearly body screening would be perfect. Here are 12 early warning cancer symptoms. Consult your doctor if you notice any or a few of these.
Some General Cancer Symptoms
- Pelvic Pain
Experiencing cramps or irregular periods are common. However, check the irregularities in cycle, pain, or postmenopausal bleeding. These could be a red flag for uterine, ovarian, or cervical cancer.
- Changes in Toilet Routine
A regular toilet routine indicates your good health. However, any ups and downs such as constipation, diarrhea, presence of blood in stool or urine, and excessive urination could indicate prostate, colon, or bladder cancer.
- Bloated Belly
Feeling bloated after meals is fine. But you need to pay attention if the condition lingers for more than two weeks. It could be a sign of gastrointestinal or ovarian cancer.
- Changes In Breast
Do not ignore if you find any lump, discoloring, dimpling, changes, or discharge from the nipple. It is an indication of the possibility of breast cancer. The incidence of breast cancer is high in women, but men could also suffer from the condition.
- Chronic Cough
There are multiple reasons for chronic cough. A dry cough persisting for more than two weeks might signal lung cancer.
- Persistent Headache
Headache is another most prevalent condition. You must overlook the headache that lasts for nearly fifteen days. Or the ordinary painkillers stop working for persistent headaches.
- Trouble In Swallowing
If the food does not pass through your throat smoothly and the condition persists for two weeks, see your doctor for the symptoms of throat or lung cancer.
- Bruising
Bruising as a result of bumping is a normal phenomenon. But, if you find bruises on your body for no reason could possibly be due to blood cancer.
- Repeated Fevers Or Infections
If fever or infections in various body parts hit you, again and again, they are perhaps due to a weak immune system. Also, you might be susceptible to leukemia or lymphoma.
- Changes In Oral Cavity
Blisters, lesions, or sores in the mouth are common in people who smoke or overuse tobacco. Besides, repeated bleeding or infections in the gums could be due to the onset of oral cancer.
- Weight Loss For An Unknown Reason
Weight does not remain constant. Losing weight and reduced appetite for an unknown reason might be an early cancer sign.
- Fatigue
Everyone feels exhausted after a hectic day. Extreme fatigue that does not get better after taking enough rest is alarming. This might be due to the presence of any kind of cancer that drains out the body and exhausts the nutrients that the body is unable to regain.
The above symptoms are not sufficient to rule out or confirm the presence of cancerous tendencies. The American Cancer Society conducts necessary cancer-related tests. Regular screening and body check-ups are the best approaches.
Conclusion
Cancer can develop at any age. Delayed diagnosis is the major reason for unsuccessful treatment. The best way is to be vigilant and observant of unexplained body changes. If you notice some unusual thing, reach out to your doctor.
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