Studies reveal a horrifying fact about cancer, revealing that 1 out of 3 women will most likely receive some type of cancer diagnosis at one point in their lives. Never rely on routine checkups or diagnostics to identify the presence of cancer. You need to know early signs and symptoms of the disease so you can get proper treatment and management right away.
The deep knowledge and understanding of your own body and how it works will help you in determining any unusual signs and symptoms that may point to a positive cancer diagnosis.
Most common signs of cancer:
Frequent and sudden chest pain
If you feel chest pain that radiates down the arms and extends up to the shoulders, you may be experiencing early signs of lung cancer.
Long-term cough and colds
People who have been suffering from a bad cough for too long, or bronchitis-like symptoms may be experiencing early stages of leukemia or lung tumor growth.
Postmenopausal bleeding
Menopausal women may experience slight bleeding or spotting after menopausa, but if you suddenly start bleeding heavily again, you may be suffering from something serious and deadly. The early signs of uterine cancer include uterine bleeding that is almost similar to having heavy periods.
Women whose cancer is detected at Stage 1 have good prognosis, and are guaranteed to live for 5 years or longer.
Shortness of breath or wheezing sounds
A hallmark symptom that is related to the development of lung cancer is wheezing and shortness of breath. If you notice that you run out of breath easily or are starting to experience labored breathing, you may be at the early stages of lung cancer.
Sudden breast changes
If you’ve gone through puberty already, there shouldn’t be too many changes on your breasts. If you discover an unusual lump on your breast, this can signify that development of either a benign or malignant tumor.
The appearance of dimples on your breast is also a telltale sign of breast cancer. Other symptoms that you need to watch out for include swelling or tenderness of breast tissues, nipple/s inverting, and slight discoloration of the skin to a deeper red or pink shade. Although these symptoms may mean something else, it is always best to double check and verify. It’s always best to be safe than sorry.
Dysphagia or difficulty in swallowing
The most distinctive symptom of esophageal cancer is difficulty in swallowing. It is also linked with lung cancer growth and development due to the proximity of the esophagus to the lungs.
Excessive bleeding and bruises
Excessive bleeding and bruising typically connotes the changes happening with the production and growth of blood components. Deviations in the population and function of platelets and red blood cells are linked to leukemia.
Bloating
Women usually complain about bloating around the time of their period. However, if you still feel constipated after your cycle that may be a clear sign of ovarian or uterine cancer. It may be a good idea to check in with a doctor if bloating still persists for a few weeks.
Weakness and easy fatigability
If you are suffering from generalized weakness, you may be suffering from different types of cancer. You need to check for other symptoms that will identify the specific cancer that you may have developed. If you suffer from malaise for no reason at all or feel sleepless, it is best to set a schedule with your doctor.