Detecting cancer early can save your life. Here are some warning signs to look out for.
Many people associate the word cancer with a death sentence. However, this isn’t the case and early detection is a person’s best defence when it comes to cancer.
One in four Malaysians are diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85 and in 20 years it is expected to raise to one in three.
Experts estimate that nearly 40 per cent of all cancers are preventable and that the survival rate for many common cancers has increased by more than 30 per cent.
However, if cancer can be detected early through screening, the survival rate increases to over 80 per cent which means they have a chance of cure. Cancer can affect anyone, including children so knowing the symptoms is important.
Symptoms vary according to the type of cancer, and two of the most common symptoms are lumps and weight loss. Below are some of the most prevalent cancers and their early warning signs.
Change in bowel habits
Symptom associated with colon cancer
Rectal bleeding, blood in your stool or changes in bowel habits such as persistent diarrhea and or constipation are warning signs which should be investigated promptly.
Blood in urine and constantly needing the toilet
Symptom associated with bladder or kidney cancer
Needing the bathroom constantly and then not being able to go, a burning pain when urinating, blood in urine could be symptoms of bladder and kidney cancer. But, there may be other causes for these problems, so see your doctor for evaluation.
A sore that doesn’t heal
Symptom associated with mouth and throat cancer
A sore that does not heal may be related to cancer. Smokers and people who use chewing tobacco may develop oral leukoplakia. Oral leukoplakias are rough white patches which form in the mouth. These patches may develop into cancer.
Obvious changes in moles
Symptom associated with skin cancer
Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 1 million new cases will be diagnosed in 2010. Symptoms include ulcerations that never heal, moles that change colour, size, or appearance, and flat sores that look like moles.
Lump in the breast (or other part of the body)
Symptom associated with breast cancer
Change such as development of a lump or swelling, skin irritation, redness or dimpling, nipple pain or retraction, or a discharge other than breast milk, should be seen by your health care provider for evaluation.
Unexplained weight loss and vomiting
Symptom associated with stomach cancer
Unexplained tiredness and or weight loss of ten per cent or more with in a period of three to six month and vomiting blood or experiencing frequent indigestion and pain after eating may indicate stomach cancer... see your physician!
A bothersome cough
Symptom associated with lung cancer
Symptoms that do not improve within two weeks should be evaluated by a doctor as they may indicate laryngeal, hypopharyngeal or lung cancer. Other symptoms to report include sore throat, trouble swallowing, pain with swallowing, trouble breathing, ear pain that doesn't go away, lump or mass in the neck, coughing up blood, and chest pain.
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Symptoms associated with cervical, uterine and endometrial cancer
Sadly when it comes to ovarian cancer there are often no symptoms until it's in the later stages of development. However, for the three mentioned above, bleeding between menstrual cycles, any unusual discharge, painful menstruation, and heavy periods require consultation with your physician. If you have gone through menopause, it is especially important to report unusual bleeding or spotting to your health care provider.
Weight loss, fatigue, nose bleed and easy bruising
Symptoms associated with Leukaemia
Paleness, fatigue, weight loss, repeated infections, nosebleeds, bone or joint pain, and easy bruising are possible warning signs of Leukaemia which should be investigated.
- MSN
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