Six Cancer Symptoms You Might Have Been Ignoring

Today is World Cancer Day. It comes with a reminder that cancer is a deadly disease. It also comes with a reminder that it is a disease that can be fought as well, even up to a frenetic level only if its earlier symptoms are not ignored.

We all know that cancer is a scary word that no one likes to talk about but the sooner its diagnosed the easier the treatment.

Knowing some of these symptoms can help you to beat cancer in time.

1. Cough or hoarseness

Coughing can be a symptom of any disease, however, if your cough persists, it could indicate laryngeal, lung, or thyroid cancer or lymphoma.

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The first thing to understand is that during the rainy season, coughs and colds threaten our lives but we’re not suggesting that its a sign of cancer. But if you have a symptom that doesn’t go away or is unusual, don’t be afraid to go to your doctor for medical help.

2. Variation in bladder activity

Because urinary tract infections are common in women, this symptom is often disregarded as just another UTI. But whether you’re male or female, if you notice blood in your urine, experience sudden urgency, or feel pain while going, definitely bring it up with your doctor to rule out cancers of the bladder, kidney, or prostate.

3. Unexplained pain

Unending pain is your body’s way of signalling a problem, and that could be anything from nothing…to bone cancer or ovarian cancer. The American Cancer Society says that pain from cancer typically means it has spread—a good reason not to be a stoic and to make an appointment with your physician. One striking finding from Whitaker’s survey: Only about 40% of people in the study were concerned that pain could be a serious issue

4. A long-lasting sore throat

A sore throat may be an indication of pollution or irritants in the air but a persistent one could point to something more severe, such as laryngeal cancer or throat cancer.

5. Unexplained weight loss

The American Cancer Society reports that unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more could be the first sign of cancer. This warning sign is common in those with pancreatic, stomach, lung, or oesophagal cancers.

6. Bleeding

Coughing up blood can signal lung cancer; blood in the stool could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Women who experience unexplained vaginal bleeding should be checked for cervical or endometrial cancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple can signal breast cancer, while blood in the urine can mean you have bladder or kidney cancer. Unusual bleeding can occur during any phase of cancer and warrants a visit to your doctor.