13 cancer ‘red flag’ symptoms, you must be aware of
Similarly, you should also be aware of any new or existing moles that change in size, shape, or color, become scaly, itchy, painful, bleed, or oozing.
Any unusual changes in the skin or nails, whether it’s a new change or one that’s been around for a while, should be checked by a doctor.
Difficulty swallowing
You should see a doctor if you have trouble swallowing.
Difficulty swallowing can be a symptom of esophageal cancer.
Digestive problems
Manifestations include painful heartburn, persistent loss of appetite or flatulence (even if these manifestations occur and disappear, you must see a doctor).
Digestive problems can be an early symptom of stomach cancer.
Hoarse voice, persistent cough, or shortness of breath
You should check to see why your voice becomes difficult to hear and hasn’t resolved on its own afterwards.
Likewise, see your doctor if you have an unexplained cough for several weeks straight.
It is not uncommon to occasionally feel short of breath.
But if you notice that you’re feeling shorter than usual or for a long time, tell your doctor.
According to the NHS website, if you have hoarseness for more than 3 weeks, it could be a sign of laryngeal cancer.
Changes in your urine or stool
Changes in bowel habits that can include
constipation, looser stools, or going outside more often can also be a sign of something more serious.
Urination problems include urinating more frequently or more urgently, feeling pain when urinating or not being able to walk when needed.
If you experience these signs, it is imperative to see a doctor.
Bleeding or bleeding of unknown etiology
Unexplained bleeding can usually be caused by something much less serious than cancer, but you still have to see a doctor.
This includes blood in your stool or urine, and vomiting or coughing up blood — regardless of quantity or color (it can be red, or a darker color like brown or black).
It also includes any unexplained vaginal bleeding between periods, after sexual intercourse or after menopause.
Mouth sores that do not heal
Usually you will get ulcers (small sores) in your mouth when you bleed slightly.
This usually goes away in about two weeks. But with sores or red or white patches in your mouth that don’t heal after 3 weeks, you should see a doctor or dentist.
Abnormal changes in the breast
Lumps, changes in the size, shape or feel of the breast, or any skin changes, redness or pain in the breast are all worth examining.
Changes in the nipples, including fluid, which can stick to blood, oozing from the nipples if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding are also worth noting.
If you are exhibiting any of the above “red alert” symptoms, go and have your doctor check on you as soon as possible.
The discovery of cancer at an early stage can increase the chances of recovery and even survival, so it is extremely important to heed the initial warnings.
“Early detection is a prerequisite for people to survive cancer.
That process helps doctors and patients have treatments and treatment regimens to prevent cancer cells from continuing to form, grow and spread,” said Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
A recent survey by YouGov of 2,468 people found that only 48% experienced “red alert” symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss. new or abnormal tumors.
However, the new study also found that half of uk adults with possible symptoms of cancer did not see a doctor within the first 6 months of feeling unwell.
Health experts recommend 13 “red alert” symptoms that should not be ignored to detect cancer at an early stage for the human body to increase the chances of recovery. These symptoms include:
Unexplained pain
The older we get, the more pain we have to endure such as bone pain, joint pain, headache…..
However, unexplained and long-lasting pains can be a sign that something more serious to the body may be happening.
Sweating a lot at night
Feeling too hot and sweating at night can be caused by an infection or it can be a side effect of certain medications.
Some women often experience hot flashes or excessive sweating during menopause.
However, sweating is very heavy, sweating at night can also be a sign of leukemia-related cancer.
Unexplained weight loss
Small changes in weight over time are quite normal, but if you lose a significant amount of weight and can’t regain weight despite trying to eat well, see your doctor.
According to the American Cancer Society, unexplained weight loss is often the first noticeable symptom of cancer of the esophagus, pancreas, stomach, and lungs.
Abnormal tumors or swelling
Persistent lumps or swelling that appear on any part of the body should always be examined by a medical professional.
Noteworthy is the appearance of lumps, lumps in the neck, armpits, stomach, groin, chest, breast or testicles.
Tired
Feeling tired is quite normal and can be caused by stress, not eating enough or simply not getting enough sleep.
However, if you feel persistent fatigue for no apparent reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong – see your doctor right away.
Fatigue can be a symptom of blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
Abnormal changes in the skin
When you have a wound, wart or ulcer that doesn’t heal, even if you don’t feel pain, you still need to see a doctor for an examination.
