Cancer does not always present with severe pain or a clear health issue. In some cases, the initial symptom is something that may appear minor or trivial.
Some people might lose weight even without their conscious efforts. You might find a new lump or may feel very tired for weeks. Other symptoms include unusual bleeding, continuous pain or altered bowel movements.
The symptoms are not a sure sign of cancer. In fact, many are caused by infections, hormonal changes, stress and other health issues. But if the changes do not go away or if there is some reason for them, they should be evaluated by a doctor.
It’s easy for Nigerians to do as they would like and wait to see if a symptom goes away. Self-medication may also be attempted by some.
An undiagnosed assessment can make it difficult to pinpoint the actual cause, though. These are five red flags to be aware of.
1. Unexplained weight loss
Weight loss may be a positive change when you’re doing an exercise program or when you’re on a diet plan.
But when weight loss is unexplained it’s not the same.
If you’re losing weight even though you haven’t been eating or exercising differently, talk to your health care provider. Weight loss may result from a variety of illnesses, such as some cancers.
Cancer may impact appetite and how the body utilizes energy. Weight loss is also possible due to diabetes, thyroid disorders, digestive issues, stress and infection.
So, it is not a rule that if you lose weight for no known reason, this is a sign of cancer. Instead, find out what is causing it.
This is especially true if weight loss occurs in combination with other symptoms. These could be a reduction in appetite, continuing pain, tiredness or altered bowel movements.
2. A new growth or mass.
Any lump in your body should never be missed.
You might find a mass in your breast, neck, armpit, groin or abdomen. Sometimes the lumps form in other parts of the body.
The breast is a special area for women that requires special attention to changes in the body. These changes may be a new lump, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, or skin thickening that isn’t normal.
But if you find a lump, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is cancer.
Swollen lymph nodes are often a result of infection or inflammation, for instance. Lumps can also be a sign of other harmless diseases.
What’s important is not to diagnose yourself.
If the lump does not go away, increases in size, hardens, or develops other unusual features, consult a doctor. Early assessment can help determine if more testing is needed.
3. Unexplained bleeding
It can be a frightening experience when you see blood where you don’t expect it.
Sometimes it’s also easy to shrug off, particularly if you feel like you know the reason. But, if there is bleeding that is not explained, it should be assessed by a health care provider.
These might include blood in the urine or stool, coughing up blood, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or unexpected bruising.
Bleeding can be due to several causes.
For example, blood in the stool can occur due to causes other than cancer. But when the bleeding is still going on, it needs an evaluation.
Unusual vaginal bleeding, especially between periods, should also be looked at by women.
Do not assume the bleeding will stop; if it does not stop or is unusual, consult the doctor for guidance.
4. Fatigue, pain or fever that last for a long time
Everyone gets tired.
Running a busy business, a lack of restful sleep, long journeys and family obligations can leave you feeling fatigued. But chronic fatigue is a different story.
Fatigue is a common problem with cancer and does not go away after resting and can affect your ability to do normal daily activities.
Persistent or unexplained pain also should be taken note of. This is particularly significant if the pain is new, worsens or fails to improve.
Some cancers may also have unexplained fever and night sweats. But many other diseases can cause these symptoms.
So, the big problem is perseverance.
If you’ve been feeling lethargic or ill for weeks, you may want to check in with your doctor. Don’t just keep taking painkillers or other medications, and not try to find out what the cause is.
5. Things that don’t go away.
Sometimes the body will persistently make signals that something is wrong.
For instance, if you have trouble breathing with a cough or a hoarse voice that doesn’t go away, it needs to be evaluated. If someone has had trouble with indigestion, trouble swallowing or if the bowel movements continue to change it should be treated as a sign of medical issues.
Also be careful of any sores which do not heal.
If a mole changes in some way or has a new abnormal skin growth, it also may need to be evaluated. Other symptoms that may occur are frequent urination or an unexplained appetite change.
One incident does not necessarily mean there is a serious issue.
For instance, if you experience stomach ache post a heavy meal, it could be simple. If, however, symptoms recur and persist over a period of weeks, they should not be overlooked.
Are these signs a definite sign of cancer?
No.
Cancer can’t be diagnosed just from signs and symptoms. There are a number of symptoms often seen with cancer but also occur with other medical conditions.
This is why self diagnosis can be hazardous.
Looking up symptoms online can cause undue anxiety. Similarly, if everyone with an unusual symptom is assumed to be ‘malaria’ or a skin disease like ulcer, or stress, then appropriate treatment may be delayed.
Your symptoms can be assessed by a healthcare professional, who will determine if additional tests are necessary.
These investigations may involve physical exams, blood tests, imaging, or other tests, depending on the symptoms.
If you don’t feel any pain, don’t wait.If you do not feel any pain, then do not wait.
There is one common mistake that people make: they think if it’s cancer then it is going to hurt.
It’s not necessarily so. Early-stage cancer might not have any signs or symptoms. Screening may also enable the detection of some cancers before symptoms occur.
It is important to have regular health screenings, especially if your age or risk level suggests them.
If there is a new or unknown change, you need not be alarmed. Rather, focus on the duration of the reaction and worsening or not.
Most of all, consult a medical expert if it doesn’t feel right.
Early attention does not mean you have cancer. It just helps you to have a better chance of getting the real answer and proper treatment.
