Cancer is a devastating disease that affects millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, many people ignore the warning signs until it is too late. Early detection is critical in the fight against cancer, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms that could indicate the presence of cancer.

Recognizing the Signs

The signs of cancer aren’t always obvious at first. Knowing what they are and being mindful of them could end up saving your life. Here are 20 cancer signs that people often ignore until it’s too late:

1. Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying could be a sign of cancer. It could be caused by a loss of appetite due to nausea or pain, but it may also be due to certain chemicals that cancer releases into your blood.

2. Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time, even after getting enough sleep, could be a sign of cancer. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of cancer and can affect people at any age.

3. Persistent cough: A cough that lasts for more than two weeks could be a sign of lung cancer. If you start coughing up blood, it is important to speak to your medical provider immediately.

4. Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing could be a sign of lung cancer or other types of cancer. If you notice that you’re taking deep breaths and still feeling short of breath, or if your breathing seems to be labored, it’s important to see your doctor.

5. Chest pain: Pain in the chest could be a sign of lung cancer or other types of cancer. If you have chest pain, see your doctor or go to the emergency room. Chest pain could also be a sign of a heart attack requiring immediate medical attention.

6. Abdominal pain: Pain in the abdomen could be a sign of ovarian, pancreatic, liver, or other types of cancer. See your healthcare provider if you have abdominal pain. Abdominal pain could also be a sign of intestinal blockage or gallstones requiring immediate medical attention.

7. Changes in bowel habits: Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, could be a sign of colon cancer. See your healthcare provider if you have changes in bowel habits.

8. Blood in urine or stool: Blood in the urine or stool could be a sign of bladder, kidney, or colon cancer. See your healthcare provider if you have blood in your urine or stool. Also, if you notice changes in urination patterns, this could also be a sign of cancer.

9. Difficulty swallowing: Difficulty swallowing could be a sign of throat cancer or esophageal cancer. See your healthcare provider if you have difficulty swallowing. It could also be a symptom of a less serious condition, such as acid reflux or GERD.

10. Hoarseness: Hoarseness could be a sign of throat cancer or laryngeal cancer. See your healthcare provider if you have hoarseness. It could also be a symptom of a less serious condition, such as sinusitis or bronchitis.

11. Skin changes: Changes in the skin, such as darkening or yellowing, could be a sign of skin cancer. See your healthcare provider if you have a change in the color or appearance of patches of skin. Skin changes could also be a symptom of a less serious condition, such as psoriasis or eczema.

12. Sores that don’t heal: Sores that don’t heal could be a sign of skin cancer or other types of cancer. See your healthcare provider if you have sores that don’t heal or that bleed. Sores could also be a symptom of a less serious condition, such as shingles or chickenpox.

13. Swollen lymph nodes: Swollen lymph nodes could be a sign of lymphoma or other types of cancer. See your healthcare provider if you have swollen lymph nodes. It could also be a symptom of an infection or other less serious condition, such as mononucleosis.

14. Headaches: Headaches could be a sign of brain cancer. See your healthcare provider if you have headaches that don’t go away or worsen. They could also be a symptom of another less serious condition, such as stress or sinus infections.

15. Vision changes: Vision changes could be a sign of eye cancer. See your healthcare provider if you have vision changes that don’t go away or get worse. They could also be a symptom of another less serious condition, such as a detached retina or cataracts.

16. Bone pain: Bone pain could be a sign of bone cancer or other types of cancer that have spread to the bones. See your healthcare provider if you have bone pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse. It could also be a symptom of another less serious condition, such as arthritis or osteoporosis.

17. Joint pain: Joint pain could be a sign of bone cancer or other types of cancer that have spread to the bones. See your healthcare provider if you have joint pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse. It could also be a symptom of another less serious condition, such as arthritis or osteoporosis.

18. Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting could be a sign of cancer, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms. Call your healthcare provider if you have nausea or vomiting that lasts for more than one day. If you have these symptoms with other signs and symptoms of bone cancer, such as weight loss, back or chest pain, and bowel movement changes, see your healthcare provider immediately.

19. Fever: A fever that lasts for more than a few days could be a sign of cancer. If you have a fever that lasts for more than a few days, call your healthcare provider. If you have other signs and symptoms of cancer, such as weight loss, back or chest pain, and bowel movement changes, see your healthcare provider immediately.

20. Night sweats: Night sweats could be a sign of lymphoma or other types of cancer. If you have night sweats that last for more than a few days, call your healthcare provider.

Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of these symptoms, seeing a doctor as soon as possible is important. Early detection is critical in the fight against cancer, and the sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of survival.

Cancer Prevention Starts With You

In addition to being aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer, there are other steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing cancer. These include:

• Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Protecting your skin from the sun
• Getting regular cancer screenings

By taking these steps and being aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from this devastating disease.

Source: theheartysoul