Wednesday 19 February 2014

15 Early Signs Of Cancer

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.

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