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Changes in bowel habits may indicate stomach or colon cancer and should be investigated.
Early detection of cancer can have a profound impact.
Millions of people are affected by cancer every year, making it one of the leading causes of death globally. The secret to increasing survival and outcomes is often early identification. In the early stages, some malignancies show no symptoms, but others have mild symptoms that are often missed. Paying attention to these early warning indicators can save lives. If you are concerned about having cancer, here are some cancer warning signs that you should never ignore.
Who is at greater risk?
Cancer can affect anyone at any age. But cancer is increasingly common as we age, with most cases occurring in those 50 and older. It’s important to avoid attributing any odd changes, aches, or pains to being old or assuming a symptom is the result of a medical problem you’re already aware of. Regardless of your age, it’s important to pay attention to your body and consult your doctor if something doesn’t feel right.
When to consult a doctor?
If you have any persistent symptoms or indicators that worry you, make an appointment with your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your chance of developing cancer even though you have no symptoms. Find out which cancer screening treatments and tests are right for you.
Signs of cancer you should look for
- Persistent pain in the body- If you’re experiencing persistent pain in any part of your body that doesn’t seem related to an injury or illness and doesn’t go away with standard care, it could be a sign. For example, abdominal pain or tenderness in the scrotum, swelling or a heavy feeling can be signs of penile, testicular, prostate or bladder cancer. Unusual breast pain or tenderness should be investigated by a professional as it may indicate breast cancer in both men and women.
- Changes in bowel and urinary habits Experiencing diarrhea or constipation for several weeks or having frequent or painful bowel or urinary movements can be a serious problem. Changes in bowel habits can indicate stomach or colon cancer, but they can also be a marker for inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease. A urinary tract infection, an enlarged prostate or bladder, or prostate cancer can be indicated by changes in urination, such as pain or frequency.
- Persistent Fatigue- There are several reasons why you may feel more tired than normal, especially if you are experiencing stress or having trouble sleeping. But if you feel tired all the time or for no apparent reason, it could indicate a problem, so see your doctor.
- Cough or hoarseness that persists- A doctor should be consulted if you have a dry, hacking cough that lasts more than two weeks, especially if you cough up blood or bloody discharge, as this may be an indication of lung cancer. Also, consult a doctor if you have persistent hoarseness or a breathy, raspy or strained voice when you speak, especially if you also have neck or throat pain or difficulty swallowing. These may be signs of malignancies in the throat or thyroid cancer.
- Sudden bruises in the body- It may indicate some malignancies in the blood if you get a lot of bruises in odd places on the body that do not come from accidents or bumping into objects. To have them examined, see a doctor.
- Sudden weight loss- Most people experience fluctuations in their weight. Weight gain without trying or decreased appetite for no apparent reason can be signs of many malignancies, especially those that have spread.
- Unusual lumps in the body- Any new tumor or nodule that persists should be assessed. Colds often cause swelling of the lymph nodes, which are small glands in the neck, groin and armpits that make white blood cells to help fight infection. You should talk to your doctor if the swelling continues after you recover.
- Frequent fever or sweats- High temperature (fever) or night sweats can be caused by diseases or side effects. Women also often experience it during menopause. If you develop intense, sweaty night sweats or an unexplained fever, contact your doctor.
Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to prevent cancer. You can take proactive steps to protect your health by paying attention to these warning signs and getting prompt medical tests. The fight against cancer requires awareness, a healthy lifestyle and routine examinations. Keep in mind that while treating symptoms early can save lives, ignoring them won’t make them go away.
