When you talk about deadly diseases, you usually hear the word ‘cancer’. The term itself refers to a condition in which cell growth occurs at an uncontrolled and abnormal rate.
The word “cancer” itself refers to a growth that is at risk of spreading to other parts of the body. It would help if you told your doctor where cancer has grown. Also, the stage of development, when it becomes known, and the severity of each case – all these details matter. They determine the chances of cancer survivors surviving and recovering.
You can see why it is important to detect cancerous tumors as early as possible. It helps to decide whether the tumor is malignant, and what kind of treatment is needed. When a tumor is detected, early treatment can be started, and its growth can be stopped.
As soon as an uncontrolled growth is suspected, a variety of tests are done to check whether the tumor is cancerous or benign. Benign tumors do not have the ability to spread to other parts of the body.
A biopsy is often necessary to confirm the presence of cancer.
Dr. Anushree Chaturvedi, Department of Oncology, Infinity Care Hospital, Varanasi, says that it is important to inform people about cancer caused by tobacco use. More than 20% of cancer cases are caused by tobacco. Other reasons are obesity, lack of nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol consumption. These are the main reasons for getting cancer.
Cancer indicators are quite harmless at first. Keep in mind that similar symptoms can occur in other common diseases as well. But still, when these symptoms appear, then it is necessary to visit the doctor and it is necessary to act on the advice of the doctor.
Here are some of the most common cancer symptoms found in both men and women:
Excessive, persistent cough: This is a condition that should be checked for inflammation of the lungs and cancer of the neck.
Blood in saliva: Usually a sign of bronchitis or sinusitis, this symptom can also indicate lung cancer.
Blood in the stool: This can indicate anything from constipation, ulcers, and haemorrhoids to cancer of the colon or rectum. Colonoscopy is recommended for everyone over the age of 50.
Changes in bowel movements: Sudden diarrhea, constipation, or thin stools indicate cancer of the colon and rectum. Investigations should be started for intestinal irritation and infection.
Changes in the way you pass urine – Pattern, Frequency: Urinary urges that slow down or stop without your control can be caused by a variety of medical conditions.
Spots, moles, and skin changes: Both men and women should look out for moles or spots on the skin that appear suddenly. Changes in skin color, texture, etc. are a common first sign of skin cancer.
Unexplained pain and fatigue: Exhaustion and unrelenting pain are indicators of deeper issues.
Difficulty in swallowing: Deep stomach and intestinal problems manifest themselves in the form of difficulty in swallowing. A patch or irritation in the mouth is also worth checking.
Sudden change in weight: Sudden weight loss without any dietary or lifestyle changes can be concerning. Most often, this indicates that there has been a change in thyroid function. But unexplained growths in the stomach, colon, or pancreas may also need to be tested for.
There are specific symptoms that women need to watch out for:
Bloody or colorless discharge from the nipple: colorless discharge is common as the hormonal balance changes with age. But bloody or foul-smelling discharge is a sure sign that it is necessary to see a doctor.
Lump in the breast: You should get your breast exam done every month at home and get it examined every year by a professional gynaecologist. Lumps felt in a single breast require immediate attention and a possible MRI.
Skin wrinkle or cheek pit: An uneven wrinkle or irregularity in the skin needs to be checked further. Check if it changes.
Sudden change in the direction of the nipple: The nipples may suddenly retract. Or there may be swelling around the nipple with pain and discomfort in the breast. These need further investigation.
Spotting between menstrual cycles: Even if menstruation is regular, bleeding or spotting between menstrual cycles can be an indicator of endometrial cancer.
Flatulence: This is a very common symptom, and women are naturally more bloated than men, but if it doesn’t go away with minor treatment, persistent bloating can lead to bloating of the ovaries, uterus, stomach, and intestines. There may be related cancers.
Doctor Anushree says that if you are aware of these symptoms and your body is giving you this signal, then you should go to the doctor without delay and get the test done on the advice of the doctor. Because if cancer is detected in a patient at the right time, then it can be cured.
There are specific symptoms that women need to watch out for:
Bloody or colorless discharge from the nipple: Colorless discharge is common as the hormonal balance changes with age. But bloody or foul-smelling discharge is a sure sign that it is necessary to see a doctor.
Lump in breast: You should get your breast exam done every month at home and get it examined every year by a professional gynecologist. Lumps felt in a single breast require immediate attention and a possible MRI.
Skin wrinkle or cheek pit: An uneven wrinkle or irregularity in the skin needs to be checked further. Check if it changes.
Sudden change in the direction of the nipple: The nipples may suddenly retract. Or there may be swelling around the nipple with pain and discomfort in the breast. These need further investigation.
Spotting between menstrual cycles: Even if menstruation is regular, bleeding or spotting between menstrual cycles can be an indicator of endometrial cancer.
Flatulence: This is a very common symptom and women are naturally more bloated than men, but if it doesn’t go away with minor treatment, persistent bloating can lead to bloating of the ovaries, uterus, or stomach and intestines. There may be related cancers.
Doctor Anushree says that if you are aware of these symptoms and your body is giving you this signal, then you should go to the doctor without delay and get the test done on the advice of the doctor. Because if cancer is detected in a patient at the right time, then it can be cured.
