Medicine has developed fantastically in recent years, finding new drugs that help with the control of various diseases that once haunted, and even killed.
But despite medical advancement, prevention is key to maintaining our health and fighting diseases early.
Good use of medicine is another important factor. Misuse of it can also cause harmful symptoms.
Cancer, a disease that scares many people, has a greater chance of cure when treated early. It stops being so scary when we periodically take preventive tests.
We must carefully watch every day, as different symptoms may indicate that something is not quite right, and there is need for medical help.
Because cancer can attack various parts of the body, it is crucial to pay attention to our bodies. Below are 10 cancer warning signs.
1. Frequent cough
Frequent coughing can simply be a sign of allergies — but when the cough is very persistent you may want to consider seeking the opinion of a specialist. Even non- smokers can develop throat, larynx and lung cancer. Therese Bartholomew Bevers, MD of the MD Anderson Cancer Center, said that “Most coughs are not cancer, but a persistent cough needs to be evaluated because it can be a symptom of lung cancer.”
2. Weight loss without dieting
Though losing weight is the dream of many women, without dieting it can be the indicator of a disease. Look out for sudden weight gain as well.
3. Frequent pain in the joints
Joint pain is one of the symptoms of bone cancer, whether it is frequent or not. Getting headaches does not mean you have a brain tumor, but it’s always nice to closely evaluate them. Many ovarian cancers are diagnosed after persistent abdominal pain. And lung cancer can be spotted from chest pains.
4. Fatigue without apparent cause
Being overly tired for no apparent reason can be a sign of the blood cancer Leukemia. Being aware of changes like this in your body can save your life.
5. Jaundice
When jaundice, the yellowing of skin most commonly seen in babies, appears in adults, it may be a sign of liver problems, including cancer.
6. Dark spots and freckles that change color and size
It is never a bad idea to have freckles and moles checked periodically. Also, all new dark spots on the skin should be examined. Skin cancer can be detected precisely from these spots.
7. Eye pain that persists
Pain in the eye, a symptom of eye cancer, can easily be mistaken as a result of being tired. If pain persists, consult a doctor immediately.
8. Discharges with or without blood
Discharges of different color and odor should also be investigated. Vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual period may indicate cervical cancer. Check in with your gynecologist at least once a year.
9. Hoarseness
Hoarseness can be started by the swelling of the vocal cords caused by a more serious problem, and could be a cancer indicator.
10. Diarrhea and bleeding
A diseased intestine can cause bowel changes.
Do not be terrified every time you notice any symptoms, such as those mentioned above. Remember that many of these things are also common symptoms of other illnesses and things we encounter on a daily basis. However, if any of these symptoms persists longer than normal, it is always smart to check it out. It could save your life.