9 Early Warning Signs of Different Cancers
Early diagnosis will often significantly raise the success rate in the battle against cancer. However, many cancer symptoms are also common in other illnesses, leading doctors to initially diagnose these illnesses instead of cancer. By the time you’re done with this article, you’ll have gotten to know the nine major cancer symptoms, which should serve as a warning sign, helping you catch cancer early and save your life, or that of your loved ones.
Note: Of course, the first thing to do when encountering such persistent symptoms is to contact a doctor immediately.
1. Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is considered to be one of the deadliest forms of cancer in the western world and manifests as growths in the lining of the colon and/or rectum. When diagnosed early enough, the success rate for treatments is very high. Adopting a healthy, active lifestyle and fiber-rich diet, as well as avoiding alcohol and processed meat can reduce the likeliness of developing this type of cancer.
Blood in the stool
The appearance of blood in the stool may indicate other stomach and intestinal illnesses, but could also serve as a warning sign for colon cancer. If you find fresh blood in your stool or have black stool, even in small amounts, this should not be ignored, and a physician should be consulted immediately.
Unusually fast or slow bowel movements
When your digestive system doesn’t
work properly, it can lead to chronic diarrhea or constipation – a possible
sign of colon cancer. If your bowel movements are not normal for a period of
several weeks or don't respond to medical treatment, it may serve as a
warning sign for cancer.
Other symptoms:
- Severe stomachaches
- Lumps in your stomach
- Unexplained weight loss
2. Ovarian Cancer
This type of cancer attacks the ovarian tissues and is most common in women over the age of 50, but it can also appear in younger women. The reasons for contracting this type of cancer are not very well known. The known factors are genetic, avoiding getting pregnant, and fertility treatments.
Indigestion
Symptoms such as bloating, nausea,
constipation, diarrhea, and gas can be indicative of ovarian cancer. Since many
women experience these kinds of sensitivities in their digestive system, people
rarely attribute it to cancer. This is why it’s important to have these
symptoms checked if only to rule out cancer.
Other symptoms:
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Pelvic and lower-back pains
- Frequent urination
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Lethargy
3. Skin Cancer
Skin cancer often attacks the surface of the skin, which later metastasizes into other parts of the body. The main cause of this type of cancer is unprotected exposure to sunlight, and it occurs among fairer-skinned individuals in particular.
A change in the shape, size or color of moles or beauty marks
Most moles and beauty marks are benign, but some may indicate the presence of skin cancer. New moles and beauty marks, ones that change their color, shape or size in a short time (weeks/months), or a change in texture to brittle/greasy/bloody – are all symptoms of skin cancer. Even if you don’t feel like having them checked, it’s important to keep an eye on them, because anyone is susceptible. Early diagnosis can save your life, even in cases of malignant melanoma.
Skin sores that don’t heal after a couple of weeks
Our skin has the ability to repair damages it experiences, but in some cases, such lesions and sores don’t heal for weeks. This must serve as a warning, so if you notice such sores on your skin, contact your GP immediately.
The appearance of spots or a change in the texture of the skin
If you notice new spots on your body or have ones you’ve never checked, as well as a change in their color and texture, they must be tested as they can be a warning sign of cancer.
4. Breast Cancer
Breast cancer usually starts as a small, painless lump(s) in the breasts, and later metastasizes into the rest of the body. Diagnosing breast cancer quickly increases the survival rate considerably. Breast cancer is most common in women over the age of 50, but it can appear in any woman of any age. It is also possible for men to contract, but these cases are very rare.
Abnormal lumps or swelling of the breasts
The most common symptoms of breast cancer are the appearance of lumps, swelling or edema. They may not be painful, but should be looked at by a doctor nonetheless.
Inflammation, lumps, and dimples on the breasts
Visible changes such as inflammation, bumps or dimples on the breasts could be indicative of cancer. Even if you think that the symptoms are barely noticeable, don’t ignore them – if it truly is breast cancer, early discovery can save your life.
Nipples: change in location / inflammation / secretions
If the skin of your nipple changes texture or becomes brittle, if it becomes inflamed, swollen, change shape or location (flattening or sinking of the nipple), or you experience secretions - these are all common indicators of breast cancer. If the symptoms don’t disappear after a while, consult with your physician.Other symptoms:
- Chronic pain in the breasts or armpits
- Uneven, inflamed blood vessels
- Swelling of the armpits or the collarbone
- Sores on the breasts
5. Lung Cancer
This deadly cancer is common in both women and men and leads to the formation of growths in the lungs, ultimately destroying them. The most common cause of this cancer is first and second-hand smoking of tobacco products.
Shortness of breath
Do you feel like you’re out of breath more often, even when you’re resting, or that you’re constantly wheezing? It may indicate lung cancer. If the shortness of breath is a result of an airway infection that doesn’t respond to medication, it can also serve as a warning sign.
Chronic cough or bloody cough
Coughing on its own is a common
thing, especially during and after a cold or the flu. If your coughing
continues for 3 weeks or longer or gets worse, it should serve as a warning
sign. Even if you’re in good health, but the cough persists, it may indicate
lung cancer. If you cough blood, even in small amounts, consult your physician
immediately.
Other symptoms:
- Sharp pain in the chest or shoulder when taking a deep breath
- Swelling in the neck, particularly in the lymph nodes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Lethargy
6. Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer appears as growths in the lining of the stomach, which later spread to the lymph nodes and the organs that are in close proximity to the stomach. The causes for this cancer are unknown, though some experts claim it’s a result of consuming preservatives. This type of cancer is more common in people 65 years of age and over.
Drastic, unintentional weight-loss
We may experience weight fluctuations throughout our lives, planned or otherwise. However, if you experience a drastic loss of weight when you haven’t changed your lifestyle, it may indicate stomach cancer.
Chronic indigestion
Indigestion can occur quite often
and for various reasons, but when it’s accompanied by intense pain, happens
spontaneously (without any explanation), or chronic indigestion, it could be a
symptom of stomach cancer. It’s important to inform your physician of
these symptoms.
Other symptoms:
- Blood in the stool or black stool
- Nausea and sickness
- General lack of appetite
7. Cancer of the Mouth
Growths in the oral cavity, on the tongue, lips and gums, as well as the salivary glands and tonsils are common in cases of mouth cancer. If it metastasizes, this cancer will damage the lymphatic system, as well as your head and lungs. It’s more common in men than women who are over the age of 40. Quitting cigarettes and reducing alcohol consumption can drastically decrease the risk of contracting it.
Mouth or tongue ulcers that last for more than three weeks
Many people experience the
occasional mouth ulcer, which can be caused by stress, changes in the weather
or a compromised immune system. In cases where such ulcers don’t heal after
three weeks, they may be symptomatic of mouth cancer.
Other symptoms:
- Red or white spots in the oral cavity
- Unexplained pain in the mouth or ears
- Unexplained lump in the throat
- Intense sore throat
- Hoarseness and trouble swallowing
- Oral swelling and bleeding
- Color changes in the lips, gums, tongue and inner cheeks
8. Throat Cancer
Growths on the vocal cords and the lining of the throat are symptomatic of throat cancer and can spread to the esophagus, neck, and lymph nodes. Changing to a healthy lifestyle, as well as quitting cigarettes and alcohol can drastically reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer.
Lumps or swelling in the neck that last more than three weeks
Any inflammation or lumps you notice that last more than three weeks can be a symptom of throat cancer. Whether the swelling/lumps are painful or not, or whether they’re big or small, you will want to contact your physician.
Pain in the esophagus and trouble swallowing
When we swallow our food, it goes
through our esophagus on its way to the stomach. If you are having difficulties
swallowing your food, or feel pain while doing so, or feel that the food has
gotten stuck in the esophagus and won't go on - you should immediately check
the issue with your doctor.
Other symptoms:
- Hoarseness
- Chronic vomiting
- A chronic cough or cough with blood
- Unexplained loss of weight
9. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer for men, especially those aged 70 and above. This cancer is, in fact, a malignant tumor in the prostate gland, which belongs to the male's reproductive system and is located close to the bladder.
Difficulty urinating
One of the most common problems of
aging in men is having problems urinating. However, this is also a common
symptom of prostate cancer, and as such, problems should not be ignored
just because you are of a certain age. Problems like passing urine frequently,
trouble pushing it out, or not being able to hold it - are major symptoms of
this cancer.
Other symptoms:
- Blood in the urine
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Blood in the semen