1, Unexplained Weight Loss
Realizing that you suddenly fit
into your skinny jeans may seem like a pleasant surprise — but the
reality is that unexplained weight loss (or weight gain, for that
matter) is usually a red flag. If you've lost 10 pounds or more in less
than a month (without changing your diet or exercise routine), you
should see your doctor.
Unexplained weight loss can be an early sign
of pancreatic, stomach, esophageal or lung cancer (as well as other
health problems, like an overactive thyroid, diabetes, depression or
liver disease).
2, Changes to Your bosoms
Most women
recognize a lump in their bosom as something that should be checked out
by a doctor. But there are other changes to your bosoms that could also
signal cancer. If you notice any of the following, let your doctor know:
• redness or thickening of skin around the bosom
• cellulite-like dimples or a red or purplish discoloration in the skin
• your bosoms feel hot, swollen or irritated
In
addition, if you notice an unusual Tip discharge, or if you notice
changes to you Tip (like suddenly appearing flattened, inverted or
turned sideways), report the changes to a doctor.
3, Bleeding Between Periods
Every
woman's period is different, and for some women, spotting is common.
But if you're typically regular and start bleeding between periods, or
if you bleed after reaching menopause, let your doctor know. Nine in 10
women with endometrial cancer report irregular bleeding as an early
sign. Also, some women mistake bleeding from their gastrointestinal
tract as spotting or as their period. GI tract bleeding can be an early
sign of colorectal cancer.
4, Bloating
It's normal to feel bloated once in awhile,
especially after a big meal or during your period. But if that bloated
feeling persists for more than a couple of weeks or continues to get
worse, talk to your doctor. Also let your doctor know if you experience
bloating in conjunction with feeling unusually full, a change to your
bowel or bladder habits, or low back or pelvic pain. Those are often the
early symptoms of ovarian cancer.
5, Skin Changes
Most
women know that a yearly skin check to spot any new moles (or changes
to existing moles) is the best way to spot skin cancer while it's easily
treatable. But other skin changes can also signal skin cancer. Tell
your doctor if you notice any waxy lumps, scaly skin patches, or spot a
sore or rash that doesn't heal.
Also note if you have any excessive
bruising — especially on the fingers and hands — or if you notice any
skin bleeding that seems unusually hard to stop (both are an early sign
of leukemia). If you've monitored any skin abnormalities for more than a
few weeks and have noticed no improvement, consult your doctor.
6, Constant Fatigue
Balancing
work or school, family obligations and hitting the gym — all while
trying to maintain some semblance of a social life — can make you feel
like you’re always on the go. It’s completely normal for most women to
feel tired and run down from time to time. But if your fatigue doesn't
let up after getting rest, head to your doctor. Prolonged fatigue is a
sign of many different types of cancers, or may signal another health
problem, like a thyroid condition or iron imbalance.
7, Difficulty Swallowing
Having problems swallowing could be
an early symptom of esophageal, throat, lung or thyroid cancer. If you
have pressure in your throat or feel like something is stuck in your
windpipe, see your doctor.
8, A Chronic Cough
Coughs
are most often caused by allergies or infections. And while they may
linger as you recover from the flu or a cold, having a cough that
doesn't go away or that is accompanied by chest pain is a symptom of
many types of cancer, including lung cancer. If you have a cough that
lasts more than 3 to 4 weeks, or if your cough goes away and then
reappears consistently, make an appointment with your doctor.
9, Feeling Unusually Full
Constantly
feeling full despite having eaten little, or experiencing a prolonged
loss of appetite could be a tip-off to ovarian cancer (as well as other,
less serious health problems like GERD or IBS). If the feelings persist
over a period of a few weeks, or if they're accompanied by vomiting,
bloating, a fever or weight loss or weight gain, let your doctor know.
10, Swollen Lymph Nodes
Changes in your lymphatic system are
most often due to an infection — but in some cases, swollen, firm lymph
nodes in the armpit, groin, or neck could be a sign of danger. If the
swelling continues for more than a month, or the swollen glands seem to
be getting bigger, see your doctor.
11, Shortness of Breath
If
you frequently have difficulty breathing, especially when you’re not
doing anything strenuous, it could signal a more serious health problem,
including lung or thyroid cancer. You may also be suffering from
bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism or other heart or lung
problems — all of which require prompt medical attention.
12, Frequent Fevers
Often
times, a fever is a welcome sign — it signals that your body is
fighting off an infection. But if you have a persistent fever that isn’t
explained by an infection, it may signal a blood cancer like leukemia
or lymphoma. A fever that lasts more than four days warrants a call to
your doctor.
13, Changes to Nails
Your nails suffer a lot of normal wear
and tear every day, and it isn’t unusual for them to suffer bangs that
can leave white spots or bruising. Plus, everyone’s nails look different
— some people naturally have weaker, peeling or otherwise
less-than-perfect nails — and that’s also normal. However, there are
instances where unexplained nail changes can point to more serious
problems. Dark streaks or spots under your nails could indicate skin
cancer, while having pale nails could mean liver cancer.
14, Blood in Your Urine or Stool
Blood
in your stool can be caused by several different medical conditions,
including hemorrhoids, Behind Based fissures or cracks, inflammation of
the colon or peptic ulcers. However, it’s also a sign of colorectal
cancer.
Blood in your urine can signal bladder or kidney infections
or stones, an enlarged prostate; it may also be the result of certain
medications, or over-vigorous exercise. But in some cases, blood in the
urine can indicate bowel or kidney cancer. If you see blood in your
urine or stool, it’s important to let your doctor know, so that he or
she can pinpoint the cause.
15, Persistent Pain
We
all have days where we feel achy or sore. But chronic, persistent pain
isn’t something you should write off as a side effect of aging or
over-exercising. Back pain, pelvic or abdominal pain and even what seems
like a run-of-the mill stomachache or indigestion can signal many
different types of cancer, from liver, pancreatic and bosom to ovarian,
endometrial and colorectal. If you can’t find a plausible cause for the
pain you’re feeling, and if it continues to dog you, talk to a doctor.
