Introduction
Cancer is a serious health condition that can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to detect in its early stages, which is why it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer. In this article, we’ll discuss the top five signs of cancer that everyone should know. We’ll also provide some tips on how to reduce your risk of developing cancer and how to recognize the signs if you do develop it. By understanding the signs of cancer, you can take steps to protect your health and get the treatment you need.
The Top 5 Signs of Cancer Everyone Should Know
Cancer is a serious disease that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle. Knowing the signs of cancer can help you catch it early and get the treatment you need. Here are the top 5 signs of cancer everyone should know:
1. Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is one of the most common signs of cancer. If you’ve lost more than 10% of your body weight without trying, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. This could be a sign of cancer, or another serious health condition.
2. Unexplained Fatigue
Feeling tired all the time can be a sign of cancer. If you’re feeling unusually tired, even after a good night’s sleep, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. This could be a sign of cancer, or another serious health condition.
3. Changes in Bowel Habits
Changes in your bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, or blood in your stool, can be a sign of cancer. If you’ve noticed any changes in your bowel habits, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor.
4. Unexplained Lumps or Swelling
Unexplained lumps or swelling in your body can be a sign of cancer. If you’ve noticed any lumps or swelling, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor.
5. Changes in Skin
Changes in your skin, such as a new mole or a change in an existing mole, can be a sign of cancer. If you’ve noticed any changes in your skin, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor.
Remember, early detection is key when it comes to cancer. If you’ve noticed any of the signs of cancer listed above, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. The sooner you get checked out, the better your chances of successful treatment.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US, according to the CDC. “If you are diagnosed early and follow through with the proper treatments, the prognosis is actually very good,” says Luona Sun, MD, a breast surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and assistant professor of surgery at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. “I tell my patients, don’t be scared of the diagnosis itself, but fully recognize the facts and proactively participate in your treatments.” Here are five signs of cancer everyone should know. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Unexplained lumps in the breast could be a sign of breast cancer. “Breast self-awareness is an important part of early detection for breast cancer,” says Stacy Ugras, MD. “We are having some really good outcomes, even with disease that initially seems very aggressive. If a lump is detected during a self-exam, be sure to seek care because there’s always something we can do to treat it.”
Unexpected bleeding after menopause could be a sign of cervical cancer. “Whether you have a spot of blood or heavy bleeding, that’s often abnormal and can be a sign of uterine or cervical cancer,” says Eloise Chapman-Davis, MD. “Some people will say, ‘I stopped my period and then it came back.’ But there’s no such thing. After menopause people may see a drop of blood when they wipe and sometimes that leads to a late diagnosis because they thought it was associated with, say, a urinary tract infection or hemorrhoids, and they ignore it. The only way to know is to investigate exactly where that blood is coming from.”
Back pain could be a sign of pancreatic cancer, doctors warn. “Back pain, particularly back pain that wakes someone up at night, is a classic symptom,” says Allyson Ocean, MD. “Other common symptoms are weight loss, abdominal pain, and jaundice (the yellowing of the eyes and skin), which results when the tumor blocks the bile ducts.”
Unexplained bloating and pain could be a sign of ovarian cancer. “Early symptoms are easy to ignore and may include bloating, abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, and frequent urination,” says David Fishman, MD. “Other symptoms include fatigue, irregular vaginal bleeding, unexplained weight gain or weight loss, constipation, and back pain. If you experience any of these symptoms for two weeks and they are not normal for you, consult a physician and, if appropriate, ask for additional testing to see if your ovaries have abnormalities. The signs may be non-cancer related issues but it’s good to have them evaluated by a doctor.”
Chronic heartburn could be a sign of esophageal cancer. “Everyone can get occasional heartburn. But a significant change in reflux symptoms may be a cause for concern,” says gastroenterologist Felice Schnoll-Sussman, MD. “If you’re getting reflux symptoms much more regularly than in the past, if symptoms are becoming much worse, or they’re not controlled with, let’s say, just the over-the-counter medications such as proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole — brand names Prilosec or Zegerid) and H2 blockers (ranitidine — or brand name Zantac), or if you’re starting to have difficulty, pain, or food caught when swallowing, you should visit a physician to get evaluated.”
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