Just because your health problems seem minor doesn't mean they are. Recent research has suggested that common illnesses can be the first warning signs of cancer. Many of us aren't paying attention to these warning signs and don't take them seriously, which could lead to further development of cancer cells and tumors. While the chances that these warning signs are not caused by cancer, they could be. That's why it's important to go to the doctor sooner rather than later. Here are 10 symptoms of cancer that most people will ignore:
1.Lumps or Bumps: If you notice any new lumps or bumps on your body, it's best to see a doctor as soon as possible. In a survey, 7.5% of people reported an unexplained lump. While 67% called their doctors, 77% didn't think it was anything serious.
2.Cough or Hoarseness: It could be the flu or a cold, but if it persists it could indicate laryngeal, lung or thyroid cancer, or lymphoma. If you have a cough that doesn't go away or feels unusual, see a doctor.
3.Change in Bowel Habits: 18% of people in a survey experienced changing in timing, amount, or size of their bowels. While this could be related to our diet and medications, if these changes happen regularly over time, it could be a sign of colon cancer. To schedule your colonoscopy with our general surgeons, contact us today.
4.Variation in Bladder Activity: If you notice blood in your urine, experience sudden urgency or feel pain while going, talk to a doctor. It could be a sign of bladder, kidney or prostate cancer. A lot of the time, these symptoms go unnoticed and untreated because they're likely seen as a UTI or a yeast infection.
5.Unexplainable Pain: If you are experiencing pain that you cannot explain, it could a warning sign of bone cancer or ovarian cancer. Or it could be nothing. The American Cancer Society says that pain from cancer typically means it has spread.
6.A Long-Lasting Sore Throat: It may just be a cold or flu, but if you sore throat persists, it could be a sign of laryngeal cancer or throat cancer. See your doctor is you sore throat lingers for longer than normal.
7.Unexplained Weight Loss: If you're not on a diet and haven't changed your eating or exercise habits and you have lost a significant amount of weight (10 pounds or more) in a short period, it could be the first sign of pancreatic, stomach, lung or esophageal cancers.
8.Trouble Swallowing: If you are experiencing throat constriction, it could be a nervous or immune system issue, or it could be esophagus, stomach or throat cancer. If you have difficulty swallowing, go to your doctor to be sure that these cancers are ruled out.
9.Bleeding: Coughing up blood could be a sign for lung cancer. Blood in the stool could mean colon or rectal cancer. And women who experience vaginal bleeding should be checked for cervical or endometrial cancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple could signal breast cancer, while blood in the urine signals bladder or kidney cancers.
10.Changes in Skin Moles: If you notice a mole on your body has begun to darker and become cloudy, this could be a sign of skin cancer, many of which are treatable. Visit your dermatologist immediately if you are experiencing changes in skin moles. Community Care Physicians Dermatology provides a full range of services in the field of medical dermatology. The scope of practice includes skin cancer screenings, as well as treatment of a wide variety of cutaneous infections and non-infectious skin conditions.
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