What makes this disease very dangerous and life-threatening is its ability not to provide any symptom in a long period of time. In other words, till the disease is able to be treated, there is no symptom of it.
That’s why early detection of cancer is a crucial part in the fight against this life –threatening condition. People ignore or mistake the symptoms of cancer often. They might seem as a symptom of a virus or common cold, but, you have to know that these signs are not specific for one disease. Here are the top ten most common cancer symptoms:
1. Shortness of breath
This is the first and often ignored sign of lung cancer. Wheezing and shortness of breath were often experienced by cancer patients, but mistaken or ignored for asthma.
2. Chronic cough and chest pain
Leukemia and lung cancer can cause cough or bronchitis. These symptoms can be constant or intermittent – if constant, visit a doctor straightaway!
3. Frequent infections
Leukemia can produce an abnormal amount of white blood cells, so the body can’t fight the frequent infections. Getting fever and flu-like symptoms can be the first sign of leukemia.
4. Difficulty swallowing
This kind of symptoms can indicate lung or cervical cancer.
5. Swollen lymph nodes under the armpit or groin
Changes in the lymphatic system are indicated by enlarged lymph glands, and that can be a sign of cancer. Painless lump under the armpit can indicate breast cancer in women, while a lump on the neck or groin is a possible sign of leukemia.
6. Excessive bruising
Abnormal activity of the red blood cells can be a symptom associated with leukemia. Bruising in unusual places like the palm or fingers and red spots on the face, neck and chest must not be ignored!
7. Pain in the pelvis or abdominal region
Pelvic pain is associated with ovarian cysts and is often ignored. But it can mean many other things as well.
8. Rectal bleeding
Blood in the stool is the most common sign of colon cancer and should never be ignored! If you noticed blood in the stool, go to a doctor immediately!
9. Weight loss
Sudden unexplainable weight loss can be a sign of colon cancer as well. It affects the appetite and impairs the body’s ability to get rid of waste
10. Nail changes
You would never believe it, but odd nail changes can be a sign of cancer. Brown or black lines can indicate skin cancer, while pale or white nails can indicate improper liver function, which is often a sign of liver cancer.