" >
Are you ignoring cancer symptoms right now? Yes, most likely you are, and cancer is among the diseases with a high mortality rate. However, if you detect cancer early, chances of surviving it can increase significantly.
According to a Cancer Research UK study, over 50 percent of us experience cancer-related signs and symptoms–however, just 2 % of us consider cancer could even possibly be the cause.
UC London doctor Katrina Whitaker, one of the scientists behind the research, said of the team’s findings: “We aren’t sure why, but it seems there is a mismatch between what people know in practice and whether they apply the knowledge to themselves. So while awareness of many of these signs and symptoms is quite high, very few people mention cancer as a possible cause when it’s them who is experiencing the symptom.”
They advise that you check for certain symptoms that you may have been ignoring, and pay attention to them, and address them if needed. If you are diagnosed with cancer, there are options available to you like private cancer treatment.
1. A persistent cough/hoarseness
Everyone coughs sometimes–it means there’s something wrong with your respiratory tract. But if you cough persistently, and if there is blood accompanying the cough, watch out. “Certainly a persistent cough needs to be evaluated to see if it could be lung cancer,” said Dr. Therese Bevers, another doctor involved in Cancer research. What will you need to do? “Going under X-ray or CT scan as soon as possible can save your life,” said Bevers.
2. Bowel habits change persistently.
Again, bowel habits change–it could be just digestive disturbance–but sudden changes in the appearance of a stool could be an early indicator of cancer of the colon. Also, problems defecating (difficulty) is another possible sign that there is something there obstructing or impeding the stool from passing. What should you do? Immediately see a doctor about a colonoscopy.
3. Bladder habits: persistent change.
Like coughing and bowel action, bladder habits change sometimes, but persistent or significant change could be a sign of cancer. What should you look for? Frequency of urination and appearance of urine. If there is any blood in your urine, this could mean cancer of the bladder or kidney. However, not necessarily. The most likely cause of blood in urine is urinary tract infection, according to Bevers.
4. Pain: persistent and unexplained.
What type of pain? It varies. For example, persistent headaches–although they are most likely going to be due not to cancer–could be cancer and must be looked into. Chest pain as well. If you have prolonged, unexplained chest pain, it could be a sign of lung cancer. Abdominal pain could indicate ovarian cancer. This all means that if you have pain in your body, find the explanation for that pain. Not knowing could allow a problem to grow.
5. Moles: change of appearance.
Moles? Yes, they can indicate cancer. If you see a new mark appear or notice that an old one has changed (color, texture, size), you are advised to immediately consult a dermatologist and get it checked out.
6. Sores: ones that don’t heal
Naturally, the body heals its sores. When a sore persists without healing–say past 3 weeks–it should be immediately checked out by a doctor–it could mean carcinoma.
7. Bleeding: unexpected
Vaginal bleeding occurs normally for most women, but vaginal bleeding can also be a symptom of cervical cancer. Rectal bleeding can be a symptom of cancer of the colon. Know why you are bleeding–that’s the bottom line here.
8. Loss of weight: sudden
Why are you losing weight so quickly? It could be a red flag for cancer. Loss of weight suddenly and without effort or any change in your behavior is suspicious. Malignancy or tumors are known to cause loss of weight.
9. Lump: unexplained
If you feel a lump under your skin–NO MATTER how SMALL–have this checked out by a doctor immediately. If a lump changes, you should get this checked out immediately as well. We are familiar, too, with the signs of breast and prostate cancer: lumps in the breast or testicles.
10. Swallowing: persistent difficulty
Swallowing is natural and should be easy for your body to do. Persistent difficulty performing this function could indicate neck or esophageal cancer. This means that if you experience prolonged difficulty, get it checked out immediately–don’t try to just “take it easy on your throat.”
For more photos/information, visit This Webpage
