Early Detection of Cancer: Key Signs and Symptoms

Watching Out for Key Signs and Symptoms of Cancer for Early Detection

There are 200+ forms of cancer, each causing different signs and symptoms. While some general signs of cancer, like a lump anywhere on the body, unexplained weight loss, pain, or tiredness, are better known than others, it’s unlikely that they are more important or sure-shot cancer. Sometimes, it’s possible to find cancer even before you have any symptoms. Health groups recommend different cancer-related tests and check-ups for people even though they do not have any symptoms. This helps with early cancer detection.

And keep in mind that cancer can affect different people in different ways. The type of symptoms you have may be completely different from others. So, it’s not necessary to remember all the key signs and symptoms of cancer. Beware of what’s normal for you and consult a doctor if you notice unusual changes or something that’s not going away. This can help diagnose cancer at an early stage, thus improving the chances of successful treatment.

Cancer Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For

Early detection is one of the best weapons against cancer. Proper screening can detect cancer even before it appears, but remember that not every symptom that could be cancer is cancer. Most signs and symptoms listed below may be caused by something less serious than cancer, but if it is cancer, spotting the signs early on can make a real difference. Watch out for the following main symptoms that warrant an immediate call to the doctor.

• Unusual stomach pain or discomfort that persists for more than 2 weeks indicates pancreatic or liver cancer or different digestive system cancers.
• It is normal for women to have irregular cramps or periods, but changes in the menstruation cycle or ongoing pain are warning signs of endometrial, ovarian, or cervical cancer.
• A chronic headache that lasts for over 2 weeks and does not heal with usual medicines may be a sign of brain cancer.
• Changes in bodily function may be a sign of prostate, bladder, or colon cancer. These include red or black blood in stool, diarrhea or constipation, tarry or black stool, blood in urine, and frequent urination.
• Coughing for more than 2 weeks, especially dry cough, indicates lung cancer.
• Changes around the nipple, dimpling, a new lump, discoloration, or unusual breast discharge are signs of breast cancer.
• Difficulty swallowing may be a sign of lung, throat, or stomach cancer.
• The most common sign of skin cancer is any kind of change in the appearance of a mole or a birthmark.
• It’s common to feel bloated now and then, but persistent boating for more than 2 weeks requires immediate medical attention. It may be a sign of gastrointestinal or ovarian cancer.
• Excessive bruising in unusual places may indicate blood cancer.
• Persistent lesions, sores, or painful areas throughout the mouth may be a sign of oral cancer.
• Frequent infections or fevers may indicate lymphoma or leukemia.
• Unexplained pain in any part of the body lasting for more than 2 weeks should be carefully evaluated. The same goes for fatigue. If you feel excessively tired all the time, get yourself screened immediately.

The signs listed above are commonly found in cancer patients, but there are many others you must know about. Post-screening tests for these symptoms, consult a doctor because they may not be the signs of cancer but some other illnesses that need to be treated.

Conclusion

Early detection of cancer is crucial in reducing the global burden of this disease. Vesta Elder Care’s professional and qualified care providers play an important role in this mission, monitoring vital signs of illnesses in the elderly and reporting the same to families and concerned doctors.

If you are looking for comprehensive senior care at home that can help you detect the early signs of cancer in your elderly loved one, consult the professionals at Vesta Elder Care now.