SHARES
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world. Cancer is characterised by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably. These masses of cells then infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. As a result of these changes, in certain cancers tell tale cancer signs and symptoms may appear. Don’t ignore these cancer signs, tell your doctor about it.
Finding cancer early dramatically increases the chance of treatment success. Nowadays, cancer screenings are prompted more often by cancer signs and symptoms indicative of specific cancers. Furthermore, advancements in cancer screening and treatment have improved survival rates tremendously. Therefore make it a point to go for regular screening tests for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancer.
What are the Cancer Signs You should not Ignore?
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Cough
Cough usually represent simple infections such as bronchitis or sinusitis. However, a nagging cough that lasts more than a month warrant medical attention, especially for smokers and someone with shortness of breath. Another alarming symptom would be blood in mucus. A chronic cough with bloody mucus may point towards cancer signs of the lungs, neck or head.
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Breast lump
Most breast lumps are fibroadenoma or cyst, which are benign. Nevertheless, monthly breast self-examination is necessary for timely detection of breast changes. For instance, check for skin dimpling, inverted nipples, redness or scaling of nipple or breast skin. Observe for nipple discharge, especially if it involves only one nipple or if the discharge is bloody. These symptoms prompt investigations for breast cancer.
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Testicular lump
A lump in the testicle may be benign or malignant. It could be as harmless as an infection or swollen vein. Regardless, men should also conduct monthly testicular self-examination. Regular examination may be potentially life-saving, as up to 90 % of men with testicular cancer complained of painless or uncomfortable lump on a testicle.
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Unusual bleeding
Abnormal bleeding may occur in early or advanced cancer. Bloody mucus from coughing may indicate lung cancer. Those with breast cancer may notice bloody nipple discharge. Meanwhile, abnormal spotting between period may mean cancer of the cervix or endometrium. Besides that, cancer of the colon or rectum may present as bloody or dark stool. In addition, blood in urine may mean cancer of the bladder or kidney.
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Change in bowel habit
Bowel habits are usually closely related to diet and fluid intake. Nonetheless, patient with colon cancer may suffer from long-term constipation or diarrhoea, sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain. Pencil-thin stool may also be observed. Sometimes, repeated urge for bowel movement may be felt even right after a toilet trip. Hence, any persistent bowel changes that cannot be explained through dietary changes should be evaluated.
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Change in bladder or urinary function
Occasionally, changes in bladder function might mean urinary infection among women, or prostate enlargement among older men. These changes may include painful urination, bloody urine, frequent urination, passing less urine, or slow urine flow. Malignant conditions that could lead to urinary changes are cancer or the bladder or pelvis.
Conclusion
Certain cancers may show noticeable changes that lead to cancer screening. If you or your loved ones notice any physical changes, consult a doctor immediately.
Further reading: How to Spot Cancer Early – Identify the Warning Signs [Part 1]
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
