15 Cancer Symptoms to Know
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- Apr 26, 2019
- 4 min read
Changes in Your Skin
Change is the size, shape or color of skin or a new spot that does not look like others in your body could be sign of cancer so whenever you have any changes to your skin call your dermatologist and he/she can do an examination.
Nagging Cough
If you don't smoke, there's very little chance a nagging cough is a sign of cancer. Usually, it's caused by postnasal drip, asthma, acid reflux, or an infection. You need to call your doctor if your cough does not go away or even you cough up blood this especially if you are smoker. She/he may test mucus from your lungs or do a chest X-ray to check for lung cancer.
Breast Changes
Most breast changes are not usually a sign of cancer but it is important to let your doctor know about any lumps, nipple changes or discharge, redness or thickening, or pain in your breasts. She'll do an exam and may suggest a mammogram, MRI, or maybe a biopsy.
Bloating
Bloating may be due to diet or stress but if you don’t get better or you may have fatigue, back pain or weight loss it is better to check with your doctor. A constant bloating in women may be a sign of ovarian cancer so the doctor may do a pelvic examination to detect the cause.
Problems When You Pee
The need to pee more than before, leaks or a weak stream could be a sign of enlarged prostate as men grow older but it could be a sign of prostate cancer so it is better to check with your doctor as he/she can ask for PSA which is a special blood test.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
You have these small, bean-shaped glands in your neck, armpits, and other places in your body. When they're swollen, it often means you're fighting an infection like a cold or strep throat. Some cancers like lymphoma and leukaemia can also cause this kind of swelling. Talk to your doctor to pinpoint the cause.
Blood When You Use the Bathroom
Bloody stool is likely to come from swollen, inflamed veins called haemorrhoids, but it could be a sign of colon cancer. Blood in your pee could be a problem like a urinary tract infection, but it may be kidney or bladder cancer. It is better to check always with your doctor.
Testicle Changes
If you notice a lump or swelling in your testicles, you need to see your doctor right away. A painless lump is the most common sign of testicular cancer. Sometimes though, a man may just have a heavy feeling in his lower belly or scrotum or think his testicles feel larger. Your doctor will do a physical exam of the area and may use an ultrasound scan to see if there is a tumor or another problem.
Trouble Swallowing
Difficulty is swallowing could be due to some medicine, cold or acid reflux. But if this does not go away with antacids it is better to check with your doctor. Trouble swallowing can also be a sign of cancer in your throat or oesophagus. Your doctor will do an exam and some tests like a barium X-ray, in which you swallow a chalky fluid to show your throat more clearly on the image.
Unusual Vaginal Bleeding
Some types of birth control or fibroids could be behind bleeding that is not a part of period. It is important to check with your doctor if you bleed between periods, after sex or bloody discharge. He/she’ll want to rule out cancer of the uterus, cervix, or vagina. Be sure to let her know if you are bleeding after menopause. That's not normal and should be checked out right away.
Mouth Issues
In general mouth changes like bad breath or canker sores are not serious unless you have white or red patches or sores in your mouth that don't heal after a couple of weeks especially if you smoke then you need to see your doctor. It may be a sign of oral cancer. Other things to look for: a lump in your cheek, trouble moving your jaw, or mouth pain.
Weight Loss
Diet, stress and thyroid problem could be behind weight loss but it is not normal to lose 10 pounds or more without trying. Unintentional weight loss could be caused by cancer of pancreas, stomach, oesophagus, lung, or other type of cancer.
Fever
Fever could be a sign that your body is fighting infection or even due to certain medications. But one that won't go away and doesn't have an obvious cause could be a sign of a blood cancer like leukaemia or lymphoma.
Heartburn or Indigestion
Burning feeling could be caused by stress or food inducing heartburn. If your lifestyle changes don’t make you feel better or indigestion does not go away, then it is better to consult your doctor for some tests as this could be a sign of stomach cancer.
Fatigue
There are a lot of things that cause fatigue but it could be an early sign of some cancers, like leukaemia. Some colon and stomach cancers can cause blood loss that you can't see, which can make you feel very tired. If you're wiped out all the time and rest doesn't help, talk to your doctor.
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