Studies have shown that quite some people feel pain, notice a bump or some other feelings that they tag as minor, and discard as nothing to worry about. Many of these symptoms that are often overlooked can be warning signs of cancer. Health issues should be taken seriously regardless of the severity of the symptoms. The following indicators could be warning signs of various types of cancers that are usually ignored:
A cough or Coarseness
It’s the cold time of year so that coughing could be a mere symptom of allergies. While a cough may be perceived by some as a trivial health issue, consistent cough accompanied by blood in some cases is indeed a cause for alarm. Persistent coughing may be a sign of lung, thyroid, laryngeal cancer or lymphoma. Nonsmokers can also develop these types of cancer. A sudden and persistent coarseness in the sound of your voice may also be a warning sign of head or neck cancer. This type of cancer can paralyze the vocal cords. A persistent cough or coarse voice should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out the possibility of cancer.
Change in Bowel Activity
A study carried out showed that 18 percent of cancer patients experienced changes in their bowel activity. Such changes varied among individuals and included the larger size of feces, increased or deformed bowel excrement, and unease during bowel movements. Normally, these disruptions can be triggered by certain food types or prescriptions. However, if these symptoms persist over time, this may be a sign of colon cancer. Visit a doctor to schedule a test. Colon and prostate cancers can be genetic, so it is recommended that you take note of your bathroom patterns to detect early signs if your family has a history of these types of cancers.
Variations in Bladder Activity
Urinary tract infection is common among women. Due to this fact, many women often regard this possible cancer symptom as normal. Nonetheless, irrespective of your gender, your urine can indicate a lot about the state of your health. Blood in your urine, sudden urge to urinate or pain while urinating are signs of a bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer. Often, it might only be a sign of urinary tract infection. However, if you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your doctor, and have yourself examined.
Persistent Pain
Most times, you can tell the reason your legs, or backaches. It could be due to a strenuous workout routine or lousy sitting posture. However, persistent pain should not be dismissed. It could be anything from a mere pain to cancer. Persistent discomfort or pain is your body’s way of detecting a health problem. Noticing small changes in the pattern of your body system can help save your life. Constant pain in the throat or chest may be a sign of esophageal or lung cancer, and abdominal pain may be ovarian cancer. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you are experiencing any persistent symptoms.
Difficulty in Swallowing
Although throat constriction is not very common, this may be caused by nervous or immune system breakdown, or an indication of stomach, throat or esophagus cancer. If you find it difficult to gulp or eat; this may also be a sign of head or neck cancer. There’s the likelihood that a tumor is blocking your throat. Difficulty in swallowing is also a symptom shared with oral cancer. Drinking, smoking, and Human papillomavirus (HPV) can also increase the risk of having cancer. Though these types of cancer are uncommon in young people, young individuals with reflux may be prone to esophageal cancer, and ulcer patients have a high risk of stomach cancers.
Unexplained Lumps
Finding a lump on your body might not be an overtly severe issue. It doesn’t necessarily mean that a lump on your body will develop into a tumor. However, when you notice a lump in your body or you have an existent lump that is changing, it is a symptom that requires immediate attention and investigation by your doctor. Don’t see it as trivial. Small health issues can develop into something more serious. Lumps in the breast might be a sign of breast cancer while lumps in the testicles might be a sign of testicular cancer. Ensure you see your doctor for confirmation.
A Sore that Does not Heal
Having sores in the mouth can be linked to mouth cancer. The risk of having cancer is even more increased if you are a heavy drinker or smoker. It is expected for the body to heal sores naturally. However, any sore that does not heal could be a sign of carcinoma. Make sure you have your doctor check any sores that refuse to heal within 3 to 6 weeks. The survey shows that about 78% of people with sores believe it is not serious and does not report to their doctors.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Weight loss is one of the earliest signs of 1pancreatic, stomach, lung, or esophageal cancer. 40 percent of cancer patients experience weight loss upon diagnosis. If you lose up to 10 percent of your weight in six months, it is a sign of a serious medical condition which could be cancer. If you have not been dieting or exercising and you find yourself losing a considerable amount of weight, consult your doctor to find out what is happening.
Change in Skin Moles
Even though all moles present in the skin do not indicate skin cancer, the presence of a new spot or change of a previously existing mole is one that should trouble you. A survey showed that only 7 percent of the people who experienced a change in a mole or the growth of a new mole consulted that doctors while 88 percent did not think it was anything serious. Moles that indicate cancer are usually itchy and have irregular sizes and shapes. It is only wise to consult your doctor whenever you develop a mole that just had a recent change in its features.
Bleeding
Blood discharge from anywhere in your body, especially in your mouth, rectum, vaginal and urethra, is not normal. This could be a sign of cancer. Blood discharges of different colors should be reported to the doctor for investigations. Women who experience vaginal blood discharge outside their menstrual period should be checked. Such bleeding could be a sign of endometrial or cervical cancer. Blood discharge from the nipple can be a sign of breast cancer while coughing blood can signal blood cancer. Regardless of your gender, if you notice blood discharge from your body and it persists after a day, visit your doctor immediately.