The loss of weight, exhaustion, shifts in skin tone, and chronic cough are just some of the signs and symptoms that can be caused by cancer, which can affect many different tissues throughout the body. Anyone who undergoes symptoms that last for an extended period or cause concern ought to see a physician.
Diagnostic procedures can be carried out by medical professionals to detect cancers in their earliest stages. When cancer is detected in an individual at an earlier stage, treatment has a greater likelihood of being successful.
Signs and Symptoms of Cancer in Women to Look Out for
Endometrial, cervical, and breast cancer are some of the types of cancer that are either unique to women or more prevalent in women. Among the warning signs are:
Breast Morphology Shifts
Because breast cancer can induce noticeable changes in the breast tissue, women need to be acquainted with the contour, dimensions, and texture of their breasts. Changes in the breasts to keep an eye out for include the following:
- Changes in the size or form of the breast
- Nipple leakage reddening
- Inflammation
- Tenderness of the breast skin
- Nipple surface roughness
- Dimpling of the breast skin
If a woman notices any changes in her breast tissue, she should discuss it with a medical professional as soon as possible. Mammograms are recommended as a preventative measure for women 40 years of age and older. These exams look for early warning signs of breast cancer.
Vaginal Bleeding Between Menstrual Cycles
If a woman who normally has periods notices vaginal bleeding or spotting that occurs outside of her typical cycle, she should probably talk to her doctor about it. The presence of abnormal vaginal bleeding may be an indication of cervical or endometrial cancer. If they experience any kind of vaginal bleeding, women who’ve already gone through menopause should receive medical assistance as soon as possible.
The presence of spots does not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer. Spotting can also be caused by hormonal contraceptives chronic health conditions, and stress, among other things. If a woman experiences spotting in conjunction with any of the following symptoms, she should seriously consider searching for medical care right away.
Cancer Red Flags That Are Specific to Men
Some warning signs of cancer only appear in men or appear more regularly in men than in women. These may include the following:
Testicular Lumps
Even though testicular cancer in men is relatively uncommon, the number of new cases being diagnosed is steadily rising all over the world. According to projections, approximately 9,560 people in the United States will be given a diagnosis with testicular cancer in the year 2019. The presence of a firm nodule in the testicle that does not cause pain is a symptom of prostate cancer. Additional testicular cancer symptoms include the following:
- Symptoms such as pain or swelling in the testicles or scrotum
- A heavy sensation that originates in the scrotum
- Throbbing pain in the groin and aching
- Sensation in the lower spine or stomach
Alterations Made to the Bowels
People refer to cancers of the colon and rectum as colorectal cancers. If you notice a change in your bowel habits that does not go away, it may be a sign of colorectal cancer. Constipation or diarrhea regularly, along with persistent abdominal pain, can be symptoms of colorectal cancer. Among the other symptoms are:
- Loose stools
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- The presence of excess gas or bloating
Uterine Bleeding
Cancer of the colorectal colon can result in hemorrhage in the gastrointestinal tract. Stools may look darker than normal or contain visible blood. A person doesn’t necessarily have cancer just because they have bleeding in the rectal area or bloody stools. Bleeding can be caused by a variety of gastrointestinal conditions, including hemorrhoids, ulcers, and other conditions. Men, on the other hand, should not disregard this symptom and should visit a physician as soon as possible, as it may be an indication of a serious health issue.
Urinary Alterations
Alterations in urination patterns can be a symptom of prostate cancer as well as bladder cancer. Both types of cancer have the potential to affect the urinary tract and cause the symptoms listed below:
- A difficult time starting to urinate
- A challenging time completely emptying the bladder
- Constantly having the sensation that the bladder needs to be emptied
- Incontinence or urinating without your control
- Blood in the Urine
In the following sections, we will examine the warning signs that are specific to the various types of cancer.
Skin Cancer
Cancer of the skin is the most widespread form of the disease. Cancer of the skin can arise in any area of the body’s skin, but it most commonly affects areas that have been exposed to the sun for extended periods, such as the face, neck, arms, and hands.
Melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are the primary subtypes of skin cancer. It is a form of skin cancer that is significantly more dangerous than other types of skin cancer, even though it is less common. The typical appearance of a basal cell carcinoma is that of a shiny, yellow lump or a bleeding sore that heals and reopens repeatedly. Squamous cell carcinoma can manifest itself in two different ways:
- As a raised, red bump
- As a scale-covered, flat lesion.
Melanoma can form either on normal skin or within a mole that is already present. Melanoma symptoms include the following:
- A mole that shifts in color or magnitude
- A benign growth with an asymmetrical shape that can look red, pink, white, or dark blue.
- A large brown spot with darker speckles throughout the surface
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer that affects women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Reports show that throughout their lifetime, women living in the United States have approximately a 12% chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer. In addition to the appearance of a lump in the breast tissue that is painless, other warning signs of breast cancer include the following:
- Alterations in the skin’s texture, such as dimples or scaling
- An unusual discharge from the nipple redness
- Swelling
- Pain in the breast or nipple
Cancer of the Lungs
It is not always the case that noticeable symptoms will present themselves in the early stages of lung cancer. If symptoms do manifest, many people will incorrectly attribute them to acute respiratory infections or the common cold.
The following are examples of warning signs of lung cancer:
- A persistent cough that can get worse over time
- Frequent respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
- Hoarseness or other changes to a person’s voice
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Unexplained weight reduction
- Headaches
- Appetite loss
Prostate Cancer
In most cases, early warning signs of prostate cancer do not present themselves. In certain instances, prostate cancer can manifest itself with non-specific symptoms like those listed below:
- Frequent or painful urination
- Incontinence
- Ejaculation that is difficult or painful
- Blood in the urine or sperm
- Pressure or pain near the rectum
- Stiffness or pain in the lower back, abdomen, pelvis, or thighs is a symptom of endometriosis.
Cancer of the Liver
Cancer of the liver can cause symptoms, most of which are associated with the digestive system or the gastrointestinal tract. The manifestation of jaundice, characterized by a yellowing of the skin as well as the whites of the eyes, may be an indication of liver damage. Jaundice causes skin discoloration and changes the color of the whites of the eyes. In addition to these warning signs, liver cancer can also show:
- Fatigue
- Irritation of the skin pain or swelling in the abdominal region
- Lack of hunger and appetite
- Loss of weight for no apparent reason
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Leukemia
A type of cancer known as leukemia affects both the blood and the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue in the bones that is in charge of producing new blood cells. The warning signs and symptoms of leukemia can vary greatly from person to person, but they can include the following:
- Persistent weakness
- Fever, and chills
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Bone pain
- A recurring infection
- A slower clotting time
- Difficulty breathing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Feeling full after consuming only a small amount of food