When most people hear the word cancer, they associate it with a deadly and dangerous disease.
But survival rates have tripled since the 1970s, largely thanks to early diagnosis. In fact, most cancers are curable and produce good patient outcomes if they are diagnosed before they have progressed too far.
The problem is that many times, because we don’t want to bother the doctor or we don’t pay them enough attention, we ignore some symptoms that are essential for early diagnosis. A survey by Cancer Research UK found that more than half of Britons have at some point experienced symptoms that could indicate cancer, but just 2% thought they might have the disease and more than 2% think you might have it. The third completely ignored the alarm and did not go to the doctor.
Kathryn Whittaker, a researcher at University College London and lead author of the study, said: “People think we shouldn’t be encouraging people to get depression, but we have a problem with people who are embarrassed to go to the doctor because they think they’re wasting their time and resources on health. in the care system. “We need to send a message that if you have persistent symptoms, especially those that are considered warning signs, don’t ignore them, you should see a doctor and get help,” he said.
1. Unexplained weight loss
Most cancer patients experience weight loss at some point. When weight is lost for no apparent reason, it is called unexplained weight loss.
Unexplained weight loss of 5 kg or more may be the first sign of cancer. This most often occurs with cancer of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.
2. Fever
Fever is common in people with cancer, although it is more common after the cancer has spread from its place of origin. Almost everyone with cancer develops a fever at some point, especially if the cancer or its treatment affects the immune system.
In rare cases, fever can be an early sign of cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue is extreme exhaustion that does not improve with rest.
This can be an important symptom as the cancer progresses. However, in some cancers, such as leukemia, fatigue may be present early.
Some colon or stomach cancers can cause imperceptible blood loss. This is another way cancer causes fatigue.
4. Skin changes
In addition to skin cancer, some other cancers can cause visible skin changes. These signs and symptoms include:
Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation). Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Redness of the skin (erythema). pruritus (pruritus)
excessive hair growth
5. Changes in urination habits or bladder function
Constipation, diarrhea, or a long-term change in stool size can be signs of colon cancer.
On the other hand, painful urination, blood in the urine, or changes in bladder function (such as urinating more or less often) may be related to bladder or prostate cancer.
6. Non-healing wounds
Many of us know that a mole that grows, hurts, or bleeds can be a symptom of skin cancer, but we also need to keep an eye out for small sores that don’t heal for more than four weeks.
Rust that does not heal can lead to oral cancer. Any changes in the oral cavity that last for a long time should be checked by a doctor or dentist immediately.
Ulcers on the penis or vagina may indicate an infection or early cancer and should be checked by a healthcare professional.
7. Bleeding
Abnormal bleeding may occur in early or late stages of cancer.
Coughing up blood can be a sign of lung cancer. On the other hand, blood in the stool (which can be dark in color) can be a sign of colon or rectal cancer.
Endometrial (endometrium) cervical cancer can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. Blood in the urine can be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer.
Bloody discharge from the nipple can be a sign of breast cancer.
8. Sclerosis or swelling in any part of the body
Many types of cancer can be felt through the skin.
These cancers mainly occur in the breast, testicles, lymph nodes (glands) and soft tissues of the body. A lump or induration can be an early or late sign of cancer.
9. Difficulty swallowing
Indigestion or persistent difficulty swallowing may indicate cancer of the esophagus (swallowing tube that leads to the stomach), stomach, or throat. However, like most of the symptoms on this list, they are often caused by causes other than cancer.
10. Constant cough or hoarseness
A persistent cough can be a sign of lung cancer. If our symptoms persist for more than three weeks, it is recommended to see a doctor.
Meanwhile, hoarseness can be a sign of throat or thyroid cancer.