EARLY SYMPTOMS OF CANCER EVERY WOMAN SHOULD NOT IGNORE

EARLY SYMPTOMS OF CANCER EVERY WOMAN SHOULD NOT IGNORE – ZIGIHOW.COM.NG

With the increased awareness of breast cancer, examining your breasts on a daily basis must have become a habit. However, there are several other forms of cancer that show common and subtle signs which may be often ignored.

Whether it is stomach ache or a cough, it is not meant to stay for long. And if it does, it certainly calls for a doctor’s appointment. Here are some common symptoms of cancer that may seem harmless but require medical attention..

1. Bloating

Bloating is a common sign of ovarian cancer. In addition to this, you may experience a loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and frequent urination.

2. Spotting Between Periods Or Abnormal Periods

Heavy bleeding or spotting and bleeding between periods is often a sign of endometrial cancer, cervical cancer or uterine cancer.

Although spotting between periods isn’t always due to cancer, it cannot be ruled out completely. Heavy bleeding or spotting and bleeding between periods is often a sign of endometrial cancer, cervical cancer or uterine cancer.

Additionally, it is not normal for a woman to bleed after menopause and could be an early sign of endometrial cancer.

3. Smelly Vaginal Discharge

Smelly vaginal discharge is a symptom of cervical cancer.

Vaginal discharge is not a cause for concern unless it is foul smelling, pale, watery, or brown, which could be a symptom of cervical cancer.5 This discharge can occur between periods or after menopause. Sometimes, vaginal discharge can have blood in it and is mistaken for spotting.

4. Fatigue

Fatigued could be a sign of leukemia, stomach cancer or colon cancer.

Sometimes, you may experience tiredness due to a physical activity or lack of rest that goes away in a day or two. However, if you feel fatigued even after getting enough rest, it could be a sign of leukemia, stomach cancer or colon cancer.

In the case of leukemia, there is an abnormal growth of white blood cells which slowly outnumber the red blood cells in your body. This results in a condition called anemia, the deficiency of red blood cells that is responsible for fatigue.6 Similarly, colon and stomach cancer is often caused blood loss through stools. This results in anemia which in turn causes fatigue.

5. Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss may be a sign of cancer in the pancreas, stomach, lung, or esophagus.

There is nothing more you could ask for than to lose weight without exercising or following a diet. But what if this weight loss could be due to a serious health problem? Unexplained weight loss of about 4–5 kg may be a sign of cancer in the pancreas, stomach, lung, or esophagus.7 As cancer cells multiply, they use up your energy, which explains the weight loss.

6. Breast Changes

Breast changes can be a sign of breast cancer

You may observe changes in your breasts during your period, pregnancy, as your approach menopause or after menopause. Even though changes in breasts aren’t always due to cancer, it is important to get yourself checked if you observe any changes. Check with your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.8
A lump on the breast
A change in shape or size
Red, firm, itchy, or puckered skin
Discharge from nipple
Pain in the breast or under arm.

7. Unexplained Fever Or Infections

Unexplained and frequent fever or infections could be due to leukemia or lymphoma.

Unexplained and frequent fever or infections could be due to leukemia or lymphoma. Both these diseases have a negative effect on your immune system and can make you susceptible to illness.

8. A Persistent Cough

Irrespective of whether you are a smoker or not, if your cough persists for more than 2 weeks, you must consult your doctor. A persistent and chronic cough is often a sign of lung cancer or leukemia.

Sometimesthis cough may be accompanied by blood, which could be caused due to bronchitis or a chest infection.

9. Blood In Stool

Although the symptoms of colorectal cancer are not seen at first, when they do, one may experience stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, or blood in stools.

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum.

It starts as a polyp, which is a growth on the inner lining of the colon. All polyps don’t grow into cancer.

10. Skin Changes

A change in size, color, or shape of a mole, skin pigmentation, excessive bruising, or scaly skin are symptoms of skin cancer like melanoma. It mostly affects the areas that are exposed to the skin, making it easy to detect any change.

Long-termexposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiations from the sun can cause skin cancer.

Regular examination of the changes in your skin is critical for early detection.

11. Difficulty Swallowing

Difficulty swallowing may be a symptom of esophageal cancer.

The cancer can narrow the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. Some people may feel like they are choking or the food is stuck in their throat. Often, people start eating softer food to make it easier to swallow food.

However, if the cancer grows too much, there may be a point where swallowing liquids also become difficult.

Early detection of any form of cancer could increase the chances of successful treatment. So, keep an eye for any changes you observe and get it checked at the earliest.

Disclaimer : This article is Exlusively for Educational purpose, if in anyway you experience or currently experiencing any of this Symptoms stated above, please see a Doctor for proper diagnosis