Regular checkups with your doctor certainly won’t protect you from cancer. If you want to survive the disease, early detection is critical. That’s why you need to listen to your body and recognize the signs sooner rather than later.
Here are the main cancer symptoms to look out for:
Wheezing and shortness of breath
Both symptoms are considered one of the earliest signs of lung cancer. So make sure you don’t miss them.
Chronic cough and chest pain
These symptoms are usually a sign of leukemia or a lung tumor. If you notice they last longer, see your doctor to make sure it’s not cancer.
Frequent fever or infections
These symptoms are an early sign of leukemia, a blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Leukemia causes the production of abnormal white blood cells, which can damage the immune system and make it difficult for the body to fight infections.
difficulty swallowing
Difficulty swallowing is not a harmless symptom: it may be a sign of throat or esophagus cancer. If you suddenly have trouble swallowing, consult your doctor immediately.
Swollen lymph nodes and lumps on the neck.
Enlarged lymph nodes may indicate an infection or tumor in the lymphatic system. So don’t neglect the knots on your neck.
Excessive bruising and bleeding that won’t stop.
These symptoms are often a sign of changes in red blood cells, likely caused by leukemia, which is known to displace them. In addition, leukemia can also interfere with blood clotting.
Weakness and fatigue
Don’t think that weakness and fatigue are just a sign of too much physical activity – they can sometimes be a sign of cancer. This is why you should see a doctor if you feel tired all the time.
Bloating and weight gain in the abdominal area.
If you experience bloating even after eating a light meal, see your doctor as this could be a sign of ovarian cancer.
Feeling full and unable to eat
It is also a symptom of ovarian cancer that is often confused with something else.
Pain in the pelvis and abdomen
These symptoms are signs of ovarian cancer and should definitely be checked by a doctor.
Rectal bleeding and blood in stool
If you notice blood in your stool, you should be concerned and seek medical attention immediately. Both symptoms are usually a sign of colon cancer, which can be fatal in its later stages.
Unexplained weight loss
Sudden weight loss is not a cause for celebration – it could be a sign of digestive system cancer, and also a sign that the disease has spread to the liver.
abdominal pain
If you suffer from persistent abdominal pain, it may be an early symptom of colon cancer or some other types of digestive system cancer.
Red, tender, and swollen breasts
These are some of the early symptoms of breast cancer that should not be taken lightly. If you notice any changes in your breasts, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Nipple changes
A change in the appearance or feel of the nipple is a cause for concern and is often a symptom of breast cancer.
Heavy and irregular menstruation
If you have heavy menstrual bleeding out of schedule and several times a month, it could be a sign of uterine or endometrial cancer.
swelling on the face
While facial swelling can indicate a variety of diseases and conditions, it can also indicate lung cancer. Edema is caused by small lung tumors that block blood vessels in the head.
Painful lump that won’t heal
There are different types of skin cancer – melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. If you notice strange bumps on your skin that do not heal over time, you should immediately contact a specialist.
Nail changes
Any change in nails indicates health problems. For example, hitting your nails with a hockey stick is a sign of lung cancer, while pale and white nails may indicate liver cancer.
Pain in the back and lower body
Lung cancer patients reported that back pain was one of the first symptoms. Breast cancer also causes back pain. Therefore, it is very important that the symptoms are clarified by a doctor.
All these symptoms should never be confused with anything else or ignored as they can represent a fine line between life and death. Check your body for any unusual growths or symptoms and seek medical help to increase your chances of survival.