One in two men and one in three women will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime. That’s a pretty staggering statistic. But what’s even more alarming is that many of these cancers could be prevented if caught early on. And that’s the problem that arises. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to know what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to our health without getting health screening. Most of us only go to the doctor when we’re feeling terrible, and by then, it might be too late. That’s why it’s best to know the early symptoms of cancer-symptoms that might seem like nothing at first but could turn out to be a sign of something more serious. So today, let’s learn some of the most common early symptoms of cancer that you should never ignore.
Breast Changes
Breast changes are one of the most common early symptoms of cancer. If you notice any changes in your breasts, have them checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Some breast changes, like a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area, nipple discharge that’s not milk, and thickening or a change in the texture of the skin on the breast, may be a sign of cancer. Other breast changes, like a change in size or shape, dimpling of the skin, pain, itching, or redness, may also be a sign of cancer. If you notice any changes in your breasts, don’t hesitate to see your doctor.
Chronic Coughing
Coughing is actually quite normal. It’s our defensive mechanism to clear our airways of irritants like dust, pollen, or smoke. But if you find that you’re coughing more often than usual, and the cough is getting worse over time, it could be a sign of cancer. Coughing up blood is also a symptom of cancer. If you notice any blood in your mucus or phlegm, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Skin Changes
Now, let’s talk about skin changes. Many skin cancers don’t cause any pain, so be on the lookout for any changes in your skin. See a doctor as soon as possible if you notice a new mole or a change in an existing mole. Look for asymmetrical moles with irregular borders, more than one color, or larger than a pencil eraser. Other skin changes to look out for include a new growth on the skin, an open sore that doesn’t heal, and red or dark patches on the skin. If you notice any of these changes, see a doctor to get it checked out.
Irregular Periods or Pelvic Pain
For women, having irregular periods or pelvic pain could be a sign of cancer. Though many things can affect the regularity of your periods, such as stress, weight gain or loss, and exercise, if you find that your periods are irregular and you’re also experiencing pelvic pain, it could be a sign of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is known as the silent killer because it often doesn’t cause any symptoms in its early stages. But you can always get health screening to be on the safe side.
By this post, we have no means to scare you but to create awareness that early detection of cancer is key to survival. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So if you notice any changes in your body, see a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is key to beating cancer.…