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