CANCER IS A TERRIBLE DISEASE, AND SADLY IT HAS BECOME A VERY COMMON DISEASE THESE DAYS. NUMEROUS STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT WOMEN OFTEN IGNORE THE MOST COMMON WARNING SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS OF CANCER.
Most common types of cancer that affect women are: breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, skin cancer and lung cancer. If caught early these types of cancer can be treated or prevented from further growth.
The number one type of cancer that affects most women is of course breast cancer. It can occur at almost any age, but the risk does increases as you get older. It is highly recommended for women to be informed on breast cancer on how to prevent it and to look for signs of breast cancer and do regular medical exams.
Here are the top 15 early warning signs of cancer in women.
1. Coughing
Coughing can be a symptom of many things and people often disregard it as they are very common. But if the cough persists for more than a few weeks, and you suffer from shortness of breath you should go to the doctor. If you start coughing up blood than you should definitely be worried as it can be a sign of lung cancer.
2. Fatigue
Feeling fatigued most of the time and if you also experience other symptoms such as blood in your stool, you should visit your physician.
3. Fever
If you get a persistent fever that simply just won’t go away, it could be a sign of leukemia or another type of blood cancer. So it’s highly recommended to consult your doctor and do more tests.
4. Unexplained pain
Unexplained pain can be caused by various conditions. However ongoing pain which has been around for a longer period could be an early warning sign for bone, brain and other types of cancer.
5. Heartburn
Heartburn can also be a sign of stomach cancer. If you drink alcohol excessively and if you stress a lot that could cause heartburn.
6. Change in urination
Frequent urination, small amounts of urine and slow urine flow are the most common symptoms of urinary infections in women.
7. Red patches around your mouth
If you smoke you should be on the lookout for white or red patches around your mouth or lips. This can be the sign of oral cancer.
8. Breast changes
Not all breast lumps are usually cancer, but you should check they anyway. Inform your doctor about changes on your breasts such as, dimpling, skin puckering, nipples that turn inward, nipple discharge and redness.
9. Skin changes
Look out for any moles on your body that change color or shape, it could indicate skin cancer. You should do a biopsy just in case.
10. Bloating
Women tend to bloat naturally. If you are bloating constantly it might be a symptom of ovarian cancer. A pelvic exam and blood test are a must and even an ultrasound.
11. Between period bloating
If you experience some bleeding that is not the usual monthly one you have to tell the doctor. It can be an indicator of endometrial cancer.
12. Blood in your urine or stool
If you notice and blood in your stool or urine you should consult your doctor. Blood in the stool can also be caused by hemorrhoids but it could also indicate colon cancer.
13. Random weight loss
Weight loss is not usually a symptom of cancer, but by stressing the thyroid you can lose weight which could mean pancreatic cancer. Also stomach and lung cancer are a possibility.
14. Lymph node changes
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands around the body. Some cancers like leukemia and lymphoma can cause the nods to swell. Consult your doctor for a checkup if you notice any swelling on your body.
15. Trouble swallowing
It is not a serious symptom if you have trouble swallowing but if it happens often and accompanied by vomiting and weight loss you should see the doctor for a throat or stomach cancer checkup.
Women should be on the lookout for these symptoms. Now remember it doesn’t mean that you have cancer if you experience any of these symptoms but you should always see you doctor if the symptoms are persistent!