All of us are almost quite guilty of Neglecting people and things in our lives, but when you neglect medical symptoms, especially those that
foreshadow cancer, the repercussions can be far more serious.
The American Cancer Society estimates that so far in 2014,
approximately 1.6 million new cases of cancer have been diagnosed in the US and
nearly 600 thousand people have lost their lives to the disease.
A late
detection from overlooking symptoms can give the disease time to spread and
become an irreversible burden. The symptoms are deceptive in the fact that they
can be seemingly normal happenings.
The following symptoms are inherently
mundane things that you should pay attention to and consider looking into with
a physician if they persist.
1. Bleeding In Between Periods (women only)
A bit of spotting in the gap of time where you aren’t normally
having a period can be caused by a change in hormone levels, cervix
inflammation, stress and blood
thinners. It’s good to have a physician check for the likeliness of endometrial
cancer in the uterus if the spotting happens more than once.
2. Bloating (women only)
About one in every ten people in the US experience bloating on a
regular basis, and women are particularly susceptible to it. It’s a common ailment
of dietary trends, indigestion, premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy, but a
persistent bloating may be subject to concern. If your bloating lasts longer
than two weeks or is paired with bleeding and weight loss, check with your
doctor for your risk of ovarian cancer.
3. Changes in Your Testicles (men only)
If you notice a lump, swelling, pain or discomfort, with or
without swelling or any other change in your testicle, go to see your doctor as
it may indicate testicular cancer which can grow quite fast. Some doctors
recommend that men ages 15 to 55 perform a monthly self-examination to identify
any changes.
4. Problems When You Pee (men only)
Having an enlarged prostate gland is common among men as they
get older and can cause some problems when peeing, such as the urge to pee more
often, especially at night or trouble starting to pee or having a weak stream.
But these can also be symptoms of prostate cancer. Visit your doctor to check
the cause of the problem.
5. Breast changes
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of the disease in
the world that affects both men and women. There are several evident signs that
the American Cancer Society claim should be analyzed closely by a specialist,
such as change in breast structure, appearance of lumps or changes in the skin
or nipple. It is important to remember that these signs aren’t definitive proof
of existing breast cancer. They can sometimes indicate smaller hormonal or
health factors, so visiting an expert can clear any ambiguity.
6. Blood in Urine or Feces
Healthy digestion is important for a healthy life. If you’re
uncomfortable during digestion and notice any redness in feces or urine, you
should immediately seek medical attention. This is typically an indicator of
onset colon or kidney cancer.
7. Mole Changes
Skin cancer is the most common form in the United States, with
about one in every five Americans developing it sometime in their life. Women
have been notably susceptible to several types of skin cancer, including the
deadly melanoma. One of the most common indicators of onset skin cancer is the
change in or appearance of moles. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using
the ABDCE method of evaluating moles: asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and
evolving.
8. Sudden Weight Loss Without Effort
We know this symptom seems like a godsend to some, considering
the rising desire to become a skinny nation. But if you experience significant
weight loss without any change in diet or physical exertion, you should be more
concerned than relieved. There are again many different explanations for this,
but a person shouldn’t rule out the possibility of pancreatic, lung or stomach
cancer.
9. Ongoing Unexplained Pain
Pain can be a result of numerous conditions, but ongoing pain
which is unexplained and lasts a month or longer can signal bone, brain, or
other cancers. Ask your doctor about any suspicious prolonged and unexplained
pain.
10. Unusual and Persistent Fatigue
It’s completely normal to feel worn down in a busy millennial
society. But what about when you haven’t really done much with your day, and
you still experience a persistent tiredness? If you have a reasonable diet and
sleep routine and still experiences tiredness, you should consider the root of
the problem and discuss it with a physician.
11. Difficulty Swallowing
Now and then people experience a swelling or dryness of the
throat that makes it difficult to swallow, otherwise known as dysphagia. While
it may seem like a minor inconvenience to some, it is also sometimes caused by
cancer in the mouth, throat or esophagus. If you have trouble ingesting foods
or liquids, especially if it’s a regular occurrence, you should be evaluated by
a medical professional.
12. Coughing
This is probably one of the most mundane and diverse symptoms on
the list. There are a ton of different reasons that people cough, and more
often than not they are trivial and temporary in nature. It’s when the cough
persists over the course of weeks that someone should voice concern. If you
find yourself in pain or short of breath during the cough it could be serious.
If you cough up blood, it is serious. Smokers should pay particular attention
to coughing, as it’s the most typical sign of lung
cancer.
13. Heartburn
For avid coffee drinkers and connoisseurs of spicy food, heartburn may be an all too
familiar struggle. Other people struggle with acid reflux because of biological
dispositions. But if you’ve tried to alleviate your heartburn with an altered
routine and saw no results, you should locate the root of the problem.
Heartburn can be an indicator of cancer in the ovaries, heart and esophagus.
Studies show that persistent heartburn may actually raise your odds of throat
cancer, so immediate attention is required.
14. Fever
Exhibiting a high temperature is a regular part of nearly
everybody’s life at some point. Like many of the symptoms listed above, there
could be multiple explanations for discomfort brought on by a fever. It’s when
the fever refuses to go away or happens in severe conditions that you should
voice concern. There are many different types of cancers that are foreshadowed
with longstanding fever.
15. Changes in Lymph Nodes
The lymphatic system plays an important role in fighting
infections and absorbing excess fluids, fats, and toxic waste material from
your entire body. Some areas where lymph nodes commonly swell are in the neck,
groin, and underarms. While common infections can cause lymph swelling, some
cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, can also cause this symptom.
See a Doctor Before You Worry
This list may seem a bit scary, but there’s no need to worry
right off the bat. Each of these symptoms can be tied to far less serious
ailments than cancer, so don’t stress yourself out until you’ve been thoroughly
evaluated by a professional. With a disease so serious it helps to take the
extra precautions when you feel skeptical of an above-mentioned symptom.