C. Booth
Last Updated on January 7, 2021
Cancer is one of the most fatal and painful diseases out there. Because there are several forms of cancers, with no known cure so far, it makes it even more frightening.
So discovering the symptoms and signs which result in cancer is of utmost importance, and the earlier, the better.
In fact, it is a thin line between life and death! Sadly, many people shrug off the cancer symptoms and put it off until it’s too late.
#1 – Rapid Weight Loss
Losing pounds shouldn’t be a concern if you are exercising regularly or following a weight loss diet. But if you are keeping your normal, everyday routine, and are rapidly shedding weight, it can be a warning sign.
Quick weight loss tends to be the underlying symptom of cancers of the stomach, pancreas, esophagus, and lung. In case you experience a rapid weight loss of at least 5 to 10 pounds in one week, even if you have an active lifestyle, talk to your doctor.
#2 – Unexplainable Pain
It’s normal that people go through some kind of pain because of different reasons including work, doing daily chores, and working out. But, having a long-term, constant, and inexplicable pain is a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore, especially if you don’t recover with basic medication.
Chronic pain can be a brain, bone, or testicular cancer sign. Also, incessant back pain can be a sign of ovarian or colon cancer. Headaches that don’t seem to go away might also be an underlying symptom of brain cancer.
#3 – White spots in the Mouth
Leukoplakia is a condition where the mucus membrane develops white patches on the penis, tongue, vulva, or cheek. Yet, leukoplakia is pre-cancerous, which is usually connected with tobacco smokers. It may cause cancer, if not treated.
Most people tend to overlook or dismiss ulcers and mouth sores. However, for tobacco addicts and alcohol drinkers, these are symptoms that should be immediately examined.
#4 – Swollen Foot
A bloated foot or leg is one of the most common signs of cancer which is often neglected by both men and women. For women, signs of cervical cancer are puffiness in the foot or leg along with vaginal discharge or pain, according to the University of Texas.
Even though there might be a different reason for a swollen foot or leg, if they are accompanied by the other illnesses, see a doctor at once
#5 – Fever
In many instances, cancer directly harms the immune system. This makes it challenging for your body to ward off infections, including a fever. Because fevers are so common, many people simply consider it as just a fever.
On the other hand, having a fever that is long-lasting, or without any clear reason, is certainly a cause for worry. Apart from cancer, leukemia, or lymphoma, another type of blood cancer can also be behind this.
#6 – Strange Bleeding
A clear cause to worry about when it comes to strange bleeding would be symptoms like coughing up blood. It is one of the signs of lung or throat cancer. Moreover, if the color of your stool is altered, or you have blood in your bowel movements, it can be a colon cancer symptom.
Women can face abnormal vaginal bleeding which is often connected with either endometrial or cervical cancer. In addition, blood in the urine can be interpreted as kidney or bladder cancer. Lastly, any kind of blood released from a nipple could be a sign of breast cancer.
#7 – Chronic Fatigue
Feeling tired is very normal, especially for those who work really hard or deal with the burden of everyday life. However, experiencing extreme exhaustion, or tiredness that never goes away, is a warning signal worth examining.
There are countless types of cancers which result in bone-deep tiredness and chronic pain that just gets worse. Constant fatigue, or fatigue that even sleep can’t heal, can either be a symptom of leukemia, colon cancer, or cancer of the stomach, as stated by the American Cancer Society.
#8 – Unidentified Lumps
Unknown or unexpected lumps under your skin are a common symptom of testicular and breast cancers. Lumps of any sort can take place in any part of the human body, regardless of sex.
Because testicular or breast cancer often grows quickly, both men and women should make it a habit to look into themselves. The norm should be once a month minimum.
Also, remember that cancerous lumps can form even in strange places. Bearing that in mind, never delay seeing your doctor if you notice any lump under your skin.
#9 – Change in bowel or bladder habits
Even though diarrhea, constipation or an alteration in size of the stool are normal instances for many people, but long-run effects of these two are also signs of colon or rectal cancer. If you see unexpected changes in your bladder or bowel habits, you should take the necessary precaution.
From blood in urine to pain while urinating, these could be symptoms of something grave. Also, be watchful of sudden needs to go more or less often than usual. These are also symptoms connected with either prostate or bladder cancer.
#10 – Skin Changes
We tend to see changes in our skin easily and therefore skin cancers are one of the simplest cancers to detect early. If you have a skin tag, mole or freckle that has changed color or shape, it is definitely a call for alarm.
Having dark patches on your skin, particularly if the edge of the discolored area begins to diminish, is also a common symptom of melanoma. For those who spend a great deal of time outdoors, paying a special attention to their skin is crucial. If you are one of them, remain alert in case any changes occur to your skin.
The upsetting reality is that most people tend to delay seeing their doctors so often, even when they notice signs like those mentioned here. Yet, dismissing the signs can be deadly since cancer is so fatal and can spread and strike before you know it. The ultimate way to fight cancer, or any other serious diseases, is by using a pre-emptive method.
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