One of the most successful methods for battling it is early discovery, when the sickness is more curable. Many cancer warning signs and symptoms can appear trivial, which is the problem.
Take a look at these ten signs and symptoms to determine whether any of them apply to you. Some are more closely associated with cancer than others, but they’re all worth learning about and discussing with your doctor.
1. Peeing Issues
Peeing issues are widespread among senior men, and they include:
A strong want to pee more frequently, particularly at night
If you’re dribbling, leaking, or need to relieve yourself quickly,
Peeing problems or a slow stream
These symptoms are most commonly caused by an enlarged prostate gland, although they can also be caused by prostate cancer. Make an appointment with your doctor to figure out what’s causing the issue.
A physical exam will be performed to look for an enlarged prostate, and a prostate cancer blood test may be recommended (called a PSA test).
2. Blood in Your Stool or Pee
This could be one of the early indicators of bladder, kidney, or colon cancer. According to Lepor, if you have any unusual bleeding, you should see your doctor even if you don’t have any other symptoms. Even if you don’t have cancer, such as hemorrhoids or a urinary infection, it’s crucial to figure out what’s causing the problem and treat it.
3. Changes in the Skin
If the size, shape, or color of a mole or other lesion on your skin changes, see your doctor straight once. The emergence of new or different-looking patches is a common sign of skin cancer. You’ll need a physical exam and maybe a biopsy, which involves the removal of a small amount of tissue for testing.
With skin cancer, you don’t want to wait, according to Marleen Meyers, MD, an oncologist at NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center.
4. Lymph Node Alterations
Swelling and soreness of the lymph nodes can suggest that something is amiss with your body. Small bean-shaped glands that can be seen in the neck, armpits, and other parts of the body are known as lymph nodes. It usually indicates that your immune system is fighting a cold or sore throat, but it could potentially indicate the presence of malignancy. According to Meyers, any swelling or discomfort that does not improve in 2 to 4 weeks should be addressed by a doctor.
5. Suffocation Concerns
Some people have difficulty swallowing on occasion. Your doctor may want to check you for throat or stomach cancer if your symptoms don’t go away and you’re losing weight or vomiting. First, a throat examination and a barium X-ray will be conducted. You swallow a specific beverage that causes your throat to glow on an X-ray during a barium test.
6. Acid Reflux
Changes in your food, drinking habits, and stress levels can all help you avoid heartburn. Make an appointment with your doctor to address your worries if that doesn’t work. It could be a symptom of stomach or throat cancer if your heartburn persists or worsens. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that occurs when stomach acid destroys the lining of the esophagus. Even if throat cancer is an uncommon incidence, Barrett’s can raise your risk.
7. Changes in the Mouth
If you smoke or chew tobacco, you’re more likely to develop mouth cancer. It’s also possible to get a canker sore that appears like an ulcer with a crater. If you have any concerns regarding testing or treatments, you should speak with your doctor or dentist.
8. Weight Loss Without Making Any Effort
Do you have a pair of pants that are just a smidgeon too big? If you haven’t made any changes to your diet or training routine, it’s conceivable that stress or a thyroid problem is to blame. However, it’s unusual to lose 10 pounds or more without trying.
Although cancer isn’t the cause of most unexpected weight loss, it can be an indication of pancreatic, stomach, or lung cancer. Blood tests and imaging technologies that produce comprehensive views of the inside of your body, such as a CT or PET scan, can help your doctor learn more.
9. Fever
A fever is usually not dangerous because it indicates that your body is fighting an infection. A persistent rash without a cause, on the other hand, could indicate leukemia or similar blood cancer. To determine the cause, your doctor will look into your medical history and do a physical examination.