Despite all of our current awareness of cancer, the disease remains the leading killer of Americans, claiming the lives of more than 600,000 individuals each year. Early detection is still the greatest chance for a favorable outcome, but are you as aware as you believe? These are some of the most typical cancer symptoms, in addition to one that doctors consider to be among the most prevalent and hazardous (and what you could do about it). Continue reading to learn more.
1 — Bleeding When going to The Toilet
It’s important to contact your doctor if you see red or dark red stools, blood on toilet paper, or blood in your feces. It’s usually caused by hemorrhoids. However, it might be an indication of colon or rectal cancer. To discover what is causing the bleeding, a colonoscopy may be necessary.
2 — Bloating
Ovarian cancer is a silent killer. Signs of ovarian cancer include bloating, discomfort or pressure in the pubic region below the ribcage that persists for more than two weeks. You may also feel full very quickly after eating. Because there is no standard screening test and the early indicators might be vague and easily missed, this type of illness is known as a “silent killer.”
3 — New Lumps or Bumps
Every time you discover anything new, such as lumps or bumps, make an appointment with your doctor. Cancerous lumps often appear abruptly and are rarely painful. During an infection, swollen lymph nodes might occur, but a protruding lymph node that does not reduce on its own demands medical attention.
4 — Nagging Cough
A persistent hacking or tickling in the back of your throat, although not necessarily a constant sign of something wrong, is usually caused by a virus or a cold. However, if you have a cough that persists for more than three weeks, it might be an indication of lung cancer. Any cough that continues for more than two to four weeks should be examined by a doctor.
5 — Unexpected Weight Loss
Many of us would prefer to lose weight without working hard. However, weight loss without a reason might be an indication of cancer, especially if it’s accompanied by decreased hunger or altered bowel habits. Unexplained weight reduction can indicate esophageal cancer, liver disease, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and leukemia or lymphoma.
6 — No Symptoms At All
No sign is the most typical symptom of cancer. “Cancers are typically asymptomatic in initial stages, which is why the age-appropriate cancer screening is so crucial,” said Bethany Malone, MD. “It truly does save lives!” According to Sreekanth Vasireddy, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist at Arizona Oncology: “There is no precise cancer symptom that all cancers have, therefore it’s critical for patients to receive recommended cancer screenings like mammograms, colonoscopies, pap smears and low-dose CT chest imaging.” Keep track of your health with your physician on a regular basis, and adhere to their suggestions for routine cancer testing.