Introduction
Cancer is one of the most feared diseases in the world, and for good reason. It can be a devastating diagnosis, and some types of cancer are more deadly than others. Knowing the signs of the most deadly cancers can help you catch them early and increase your chances of survival. In this article, we’ll discuss the signs of the most deadly cancers and what you can do to reduce your risk. We’ll also provide some tips on what to eat and what to avoid to help keep your body healthy and strong.
Sign You Have One of the “Most Deadly” Cancers — Eat This Not That
Cancer is one of the most feared diseases in the world, and for good reason. It can be incredibly deadly, and it can strike anyone at any time. But there are certain types of cancer that are more deadly than others. Knowing the signs of these “most deadly” cancers can help you catch them early and get the treatment you need.
One of the most deadly cancers is pancreatic cancer. This type of cancer is particularly dangerous because it is often not detected until it is too late. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Another type of cancer that is particularly deadly is lung cancer. This type of cancer is often caused by smoking, and it can be difficult to detect until it is too late. Symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.
Finally, colorectal cancer is another type of cancer that is particularly deadly. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.
If you think you may have one of these “most deadly” cancers, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early detection is key to successful treatment. In addition to seeing a doctor, there are also some lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of developing cancer. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking are all important steps to take.
Young people—like everyone else—need to communicate with their doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms.
- Rectal bleeding: This includes blood coming from the rectum, or blood in the stool or in the toilet after a bowel movement.
- Unusual stools: Watch for any changes in the way your stool looks. Keep an eye out for dark or black stools, which may indicate bleeding from a tumor. Talk to your doctor if you have stool that is narrow, thin or ribbon-like, which may signal that a tumor is obstructing your bowels or rectum.
- Changes in bowel movements: Look for loose stool (diarrhea) or constipation (less than three bowel movements a week), especially if the changes last two weeks or more.
- Low energy or tiredness: This could be due to anemia from blood loss. If you are a young woman with chronic anemia that you assume is due to menstrual bleeding, it’s a good idea to explore other causes as well.
Don’t assume anything.
“Even if you’re in your 20s or 30s,” Dr. Pantel says, “you should get checked out if you have rectal bleeding, if you have any change in your bowel habits, any change in appetite (like feeling “full” early), weight loss, or abdominal pain that is not explained.” Your symptoms may be different than those of someone you know who had colorectal cancer.
Stool entering a healthy colon (in the right side) is watery. But as it moves toward the end (left side) of the colon—and as fluid is absorbed—it becomes more solid, Dr. Pantel says. “So, a mass in the right colon may go unnoticed, because the loose stool is able to move past any mass until it nearly or completely obstructs the bowel.”
Many people misunderstand rectal bleeding as a symptom, Dr. Pantel adds. “So many patients are referred to me for treatment of hemorrhoids, but you need to make sure rectal bleeding is not something more serious—no matter how old the patient,” he says.
Some people have no symptoms at all, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if colorectal cancer runs in your family. He or she may decide to recommend a colonoscopy before 45. Also, if a patient has seen a doctor and their symptoms still aren’t getting better, Dr. Pantel recommends a colonoscopy.
Don’t be afraid of the tests, either. Many people are put off by the preparation for a colonoscopy, which includes taking a strong laxative the day before to clean out the bowels. But colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing colorectal cancers, and it saves lives.
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To avoid colorectal cancer, consider making the following changes to your lifestyle:
- If you smoke, quit: That includes e-cigs. If you smoke, your risk is higher not only for lung cancers, but for colorectal and other cancers.
- Drink responsibly: The American Cancer Society advises no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women.
- Exercise: You have a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer if you are sedentary. Being more active might lower your risk.
- Lose weight: If you are overweight or obese, you have a higher risk of both developing colorectal cancer and dying from it. This is especially true for colon cancer.
- Consume adequate fiber: You should take in 25 grams of fiber a day to maintain a healthy colon. This means eating more fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes. The typical American diet is 10 to 15 grams of fiber a day.