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The fight against cancer hinges on early detection, with a better prognosis for those diagnosed in the initial stages. Macmillan Cancer Support reports that each year, approximately 393,000 people in the UK receive a cancer diagnosis. On average, every 90 seconds, someone in the UK learns they have cancer.
The charity also highlights the grim statistic that cancer claims about 167,000 lives annually in the UK, which averages out to 460 deaths per day. Now, specialists at the University of California San Francisco have identified 17 primary signs and symptoms of cancer that should not be overlooked.
They emphasize: “Early detection is one of the best weapons against cancer. Screenings can detect a cancer before symptoms appear,” reports Gloucestershire Live. They advise: “You too can pick up on early warning signs by paying close attention to changes in your body. If you notice something new or different that lasts several weeks and several weeks is key reach out to your health care provider.”
They caution: “Not every symptom that could be cancer is cancer. But here are 17 symptoms that may warrant a call to your doctor,” according to Irish Star. The list of symptoms to be vigilant about includes:
1. Abnormal periods or pelvic pain.
While it’s common for women to experience the occasional irregular period or cramps, persistent pain or menstrual changes could indicate cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancer.
2. Changes in bathroom habits.
Significant alterations in bodily functions could be indicative of various cancers such as colon, prostate or bladder cancer. Key symptoms to watch out for include persistent constipation or diarrhoea; the presence of black or red blood in your stool; dark, sticky feces; increased frequency of urination; and blood in your urine.
3. Bloating.
Occasional bloating is a common experience for many. However, consistent bloating lasting over two weeks may signal ovarian cancer or different gastrointestinal cancers.
4. Changes in the Breast.
Symptoms such as a new lump, dimpling, discoloration, changes around the nipple or unusual discharge should not be ignored. While breast cancer predominantly affects women, it can also occur in men.
5. Persistent Coughing.
A cough that lingers for more than two weeks, particularly a dry one, could be a symptom of lung cancer.
6. Chronic Headache.
A headache that persists beyond two weeks and doesn’t respond to standard medications might be due to a brain tumor.
7. Difficulty Swallowing.
If you consistently feel like food is getting lodged in your throat or if you have trouble swallowing for more than two weeks, this could be a sign of throat cancer, lung cancer or stomach cancer.
8. Excessive Bruising.
While a bruise on your shin from bumping into the coffee table is normal, suddenly developing numerous bruises in unusual places that you don’t recall injuring could indicate various blood cancers.
9. Regular Fevers or Infections.
Repeated fevers or back-to-back infections could be a sign of an immune system compromised by leukaemia or lymphoma (Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s).
10. Changes in the mouth.
Persistent sores, lesions, or painful areas in the mouth, particularly among heavy smokers or drinkers, could signal various oral cancers.
11. Alterations in skin.
Any noticeable changes in a mole or birthmark could suggest skin cancer and should be examined. Remember the acronym ABCDE to identify concerning changes.
12. Enduring pain.
Persistent pain anywhere in your body without a clear cause that doesn’t respond to standard treatments should be checked out.
13. Constant fatigue.
A sudden, enduring shift in your energy level, regardless of how much sleep you get, could indicate lymphoma or leukaemia.
14. Bleeding after menopause.
While there are several reasons for postmenopausal bleeding, if it continues, your doctor may want to screen for cervical cancer or endometrial cancer.
15. Abdominal discomfort or nausea.
Unusual stomach discomfort lasting more than two weeks could be a red flag for liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, or various gastrointestinal cancers.
16. Unexplained weight loss.
Weight fluctuates in most people. However, unanticipated weight loss or a sudden lack of appetite could potentially signify many types of cancers, especially advanced ones.
17. Unusual lumps.
Any new lump or mass that doesn’t disappear should be checked out. Lymph nodes, the small glands in your armpits, groin and neck that produce white blood cells to combat infection, often swell when you’re sick.
However, if the swelling continues after you’ve recovered, it’s time to reach out to your doctor.
When to seek medical advice.
If you notice any of these symptoms or have worries about your health, it’s important to consult a GP or another healthcare provider.
