Whether we like to accept it or not, cancer is a devastating disease.
While the risk factors are plenty, cancer occurs spontaneously too. Even without any known cause, cancer kills normal body cells. By detecting common cancer symptoms early on, we can limit its spread. At the same time, cancers can be cured too.
While there are many types of cancers, breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men occur commonly. Modern science is giving us many opportunities to fight this dangerous disease. But prevention is always better than cure.
Here are the top 8 common cancer symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Extreme levels of fatigue
While being tired is considered normal in our society, it’s also a part of common cancer symptoms too. Extreme levels of fatigue occur in cancer patients. This is because cancer cells use up the nutrients required by normal cells to function.
In addition, you are unable to do simple activities like going to work or playing with the kids. These things warrant investigation and shouldn’t be brushed off. Consequently, leukemia, colon cancers, and many stomach cancers also present with extreme fatigue.
2. Rapid and unexplained weight loss
If you’re experiencing great weight loss without even trying, you should seek medical attention immediately. Rapid and unexplained weight loss is frequently linked with cancer symptoms.
Other than that, some common cancers that present themselves with extreme weight loss include pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, and esophageal cancers too.
3. Breast changes- frequent breast cancer symptoms
One of the leading causes of death in women is breast cancer. In addition, breast cancer can manifest itself with an array of cancer symptoms that include breast changes. From abnormal discharge and lumps to change in texture and size- all breast changes demand immediate evaluation.
4. Lymph node changes
Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped structures seen around the body. They help the body fight against infections. As a result, cancer symptoms in the form of lymph node changes shouldn’t be ignored. This includes painful and enlarged lymph nodes too.
Consequently, you must seek medical attention if you notice any change in the form of a lump near your lymph nodes.
5. Blood in stool or urine
Another alarming cancer symptom is blood in urine or stool. For this reason, you should visit your physician if you bleed from any part of the body. Likewise, common cancers that manifest themselves with bleeding include colon, bladder, and kidney.
6. Unexplained fever- a commonly overlooked cancer symptom
Fever is the body’s way of fighting against infection. However, if you have a persistent fever with no signs of infection, it could be an alarming cancer symptom. Examples of cancers that frequently present with fever include blood cancer or leukemia.
7. Abnormal skin changes including lumps
One of the commonest cancer symptoms is a lump developing anywhere in the body.
Abnormal cells make up the lump or tumor. In addition, if it is detected early, you can limit the chances of spread. At the same time, other common skin changes to look out for include ulceration, stretching, sores, blisters, and non-healing wounds
8. Persistent cough
If you’re suffering from allergies, asthma, and flu, then you’re probably coughing too.
However, common cancer symptoms also include a persistent cough that doesn’t go away for no apparent reason. Be aware of anything that lasts for weeks and months. Believe it or not, you can suffer from lung cancer, whether you’re a smoker or a non-smoker.
Our bodies undergo change on a daily basis. While the changes may appear normal at first, they turn into alarming features that hint towards cancer.
For this reason, many women and men die from breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer each year. With that being said, any form of cancer causes death. Hence, it’s important to raise awareness of common cancer symptoms.