Regular checkups with your doctor alone, of course, will not protect you from cancer. Early detection is key if you want to survive the disease, so you need to listen to your body and recognize the signs sooner rather than later.
Here are the main symptoms of cancer that you should pay attention to:
Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
Both symptoms are among the earliest signs of lung cancer, so don’t overlook them.
Chronic cough and chest pain
These symptoms are usually a sign of leukemia or a lung tumor. If you notice that they last longer, visit your doctor to make sure it’s not cancer.
Frequent fever or infections
These symptoms are an early sign of leukemia, a blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow. Leukemia causes the production of abnormal white blood cells, which can damage your immune system and make it difficult for your body to fight infections.
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty swallowing is not an innocent symptom – it can be a sign of throat or esophageal cancer. If you suddenly find it difficult to swallow, see your doctor immediately.
Swollen lymph nodes and lumps in the neck
Swollen lymph nodes may indicate infections or tumors in the lymphatic system, so do not overlook lumps in the neck.
Excessive bruising and bleeding that won’t stop
These symptoms are often a sign of changes in red blood cells, possibly caused by leukemia, which is known to displace them. In addition, leukemia can impair blood clotting.
Weakness and fatigue
Don’t think that weakness and fatigue are a sign of too much physical work-sometimes they can be a sign of cancer, so you should see your doctor if you feel tired all the time.
Abdominal bloating and weight gain
If you have bloating in your stomach even after eating light meals, see your doctor, as this could be a sign of ovarian cancer.
Feeling full and not being able to eat
This is also a symptom of ovarian cancer that is often mistaken for something else.
Pelvic and abdominal pain
These symptoms are signs of ovarian cancer and should definitely be checked by your doctor.
Rectal bleeding and blood in the stool
If you notice blood in your stool, you should be concerned and see your doctor immediately. Both symptoms are most often a sign of colorectal cancer, which is deadly in its final stages.
Unexplained weight loss
Sudden weight loss is no reason to be happy – it may be a sign of some type of digestive tract cancer, and it may also indicate that the disease has spread to the liver.
Stomach pain
If you suffer from constant stomach pain, it may be an early symptom of colorectal cancer or some other types of digestive tract cancer.
Red, sore and swollen breasts
These are some of the early symptoms of breast cancer that should not be taken lightly. If you notice any changes in your breasts, see your doctor immediately.
Changes in the nipples
A change in appearance or sensation in the nipples is a cause for concern and often a symptom of breast cancer.
Heavy or irregular periods
If heavy periods are irregular and come several times a month, it may be a sign of uterine or endometrial cancer.
Facial swelling
Although facial swelling can indicate several diseases and conditions, it can also indicate lung cancer. Swelling is caused by small lung tumors that block the blood vessels in the head.
Painful bump that won’t heal
There are several types of skin cancer – melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. If you notice strange bumps on your skin that don’t heal over time, you need to see a specialist immediately.
Changes in your nails
Any changes in your nails indicate problems with your health. For example, uneven nails are a sign of lung cancer, and pale and white nails can indicate liver cancer.
Back and lower body pain
Lung cancer patients report back pain as one of the earliest symptoms. Breast cancer also causes back pain, so be sure to consult your doctor about this symptom.
All of these symptoms should never be mistaken for anything else or ignored, as they can be a fine line between life and death. Check your body for any unusual growths or symptoms and visit your doctor to increase your chances of survival.