It seems that most people aren’t aware of the warning signs of cancer, and thus do not give them the attention they deserve. Usually, people just don’t believe that the symptoms are a sign of anything serious, and certainly not of cancer.
While it’s safe to say that for the majority of people experiencing these warning signs, they will turn out not to be anything serious, for some they very well might, and getting yourself to a doctor as soon as you have a problem could actually save your life. Here are 10 cancer symptoms you need to take very seriously.
Bumps or Lumps
Be on the safe side and have any odd lumps examined by your doctor. While it probably won’t be anything to worry about, don’t take the chance that it could turn out to be cancer.
Continuous Pain
If you are experiencing continual pain in any area of your body, you had better pay heed. Pain that doesn’t let up is a sure sign of a problem, and you might be surprised to learn this, but it could be bone cancer or even ovarian cancer. Also, keep in mind that if you are having pain from cancer, that is a clear indication that it has spread, so you shouldn’t continue to ignore the problem.
Cough or Hoarseness
Even in the dead of winter, if you have a cough that just won’t leave you alone, go and see your doctor. It could be lung, laryngeal, or thyroid cancer, or even lymphoma.
Change in Bowel Habits
Any changes in the amount, timing or size of your bowels need to be taken note of. Sure, this could be caused by eating certain types of foods or taking certain medications, but if it continues over a long period of time it can be an indication of colon cancer.
Change in Bladder Activity
This is a tough one for women because urinary tract infections occur fairly commonly in women. As a result, they tend to just let the problem go assuming that it is perfectly normal. But the fact of the matter is, it doesn’t matter if you are male or female if you happen to spot blood in your urine, or feel pain when urinating, discuss this with your doctor to be assured that it isn’t cancer of the kidneys, bladder, or prostate.
Unexplained Weight Loss
If you have undergone a weight loss of 10 or more pounds without any apparent explanation for it, this could be a sign of cancer. This is a common warning sign among people with stomach, pancreatic, esophageal, or lung cancer.
Continuous Sore Throat
Of course sore throats are a part of life, especially in the winter, but a continuous one can be an indication of throat or laryngeal cancer.
Bleeding
If you find yourself coughing up blood it can be a sign of lung cancer. Blood in your stool can indicate colon or rectal cancer.
Difficulty Swallowing
Constriction of the throat can be a precursor to esophageal cancer, stomach, or throat cancer too.
Changes in Moles
If you notice a change in a skin mole, wart, or freckle, or detect a mole that wasn’t there before, you should see your doctor, as it may be a sign of skin cancer.
