In 2016, an estimated 1,685,210 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, and 595,690 people will die from the disease. In 2016, the most common cancers were breast, lung and bronchial, prostate, colon, bladder, skin melanoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, thyroid, kidney and renal pelvis, and leukemia. projected. Endometrial cancer, pancreatic cancer.
Cancers that most often affect women include breast cancer, colon cancer, endometrial cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, skin cancer, and ovarian cancer. Understanding these cancers and knowing what can be done to prevent or detect them early (when they are small and easy to treat) can be life saving. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer a woman may encounter in her lifetime (with the exception of skin cancer). It can occur at any age, but the risk increases with age. Certain factors may make some women more prone to breast cancer than others. But every woman should know about breast cancer and what can be done about it.
A woman’s body is constantly changing. Women go through different stages of body growth, and sometimes their bodies take an unnatural path. Women should be fully aware of the warning signs of cancer. Many women have early signs of cancer. Being able to recognize the early signs of cancer can save a life! It is very important to stay informed. Here are 15 early signs of cancer that women should not ignore.
Breast changes – Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but they should be checked regularly by your doctor. Let him or her know about any changes, such as skin dimpling, skin wrinkles, ingrown nipples, nipple discharge, redness or flaking of the skin on your nipples or breasts.
Abdominal bloating – Marlene Myers, M.D., an oncologist at NYU Langone Medical Center, says women are born with abdominal bloating. However, if symptoms don’t improve over time, are accompanied by weight loss or bleeding, see your doctor. Persistent bloating could mean ovarian cancer. A pelvic examination, blood tests, and possibly an ultrasound will be done.
Bleeding during your period – If you are still having your period, ask your doctor if you are bleeding during your period. Bleeding that is not part of your normal menstrual cycle can have many causes, but your doctor will want to rule out endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine mucosa).
Skin changes – Changes in the size, shape and color of moles and other spots are a common sign of skin cancer. See your doctor for a thorough examination and possibly a biopsy. This is one of those cases where you shouldn’t wait, Myers says.
Blood in urine or feces – If blood is coming from a part of the body that wouldn’t normally bleed, especially if the bleeding lasts more than a day or two, tell your doctor, Myers says. Blood in the stool is often a symptom of hemorrhoids, but it can also be a symptom of colon cancer. Hematuria is usually the first sign of bladder or kidney cancer, says Herbert Lepore, MD, PhD, a urologist at NYU Langone.
Lymph node changes – Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands located throughout the body. Most of these changes result from common infections. However, some cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, can also cause swollen lymph nodes. If you have a swelling or lump anywhere on your body that lasts more than a month, it’s worth seeing your doctor. What to do.
Dysphagia – Occasional dysphagia is not a cause for concern. However, if it occurs frequently, especially if accompanied by vomiting and weight loss, your doctor may want to test you for throat or stomach cancer.
Accidental weight loss – Most cases of unintentional weight loss are not cancer, Myers says. There is also the possibility of stomach cancer or lung cancer. Your doctor may order a number of tests to detect problems, including blood tests and imaging such as a CT scan.
Heartburn – Too much food, alcohol and stress (or all three) can cause severe heartburn. Dr. Myers suggests changing your diet for a week or two to see if your symptoms improve.
Oral changes – If you smoke, look for white or bright red spots in your mouth and on your lips, both of which can be signs of oral cancer. See your doctor or dentist for evaluation and treatment.
Fever – If the fever persists and has no explanation, it could mean leukemia or other blood cancers. Your doctor should gather a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam to check the