It is not always easy to determine if you have cancer, before being diagnosed by a doctor. But, there are several warning signs that you should pay close attention to. As you all know, the survival rate of cancer is much higher, if the disease is diagnosed earlier, as this is when the treatment works best.
But, the signs below do not always indicate cancer. You should pay close attention to them, and see your doctor, if you notice anything strange or unusual.
Here are some of the general or common signs and symptoms of cancer.
5 Cancer Symptoms:
1. Fatigue
Fatigue is an extreme tiredness that does not get better with rest. This may be an essential symptom as cancer grows.
But this may happen early in some cancers, such as leukemia. Some stomach or colon cancers can cause blood loss that’s not obvious. This is another way in which cancer can cause fatigue.
2. Frequent Fever or Infection
In most cases, fever is an indication that your body fights an infection. But, if it is a prolonged or persistent one, this might indicate a cancerous condition, such as lymphoma.
Also, the cancer of the blood cells, leukemia, can cause signs including fatigue, fever, frequent infections, aches and other flu-related signs.
3. Pain
Pain may be an early symptom with some cancers such as testicular cancer or bone cancers. A headache that does not get better or go away with treatment, may be a symptom of a brain tumor.
Back pain can be a symptom of cancer of the rectum, colon, or ovary. Most often, pain that is due to cancer means that it has already spread or metastasized, from where it started.
4. Unexplained Weight Loss
Most people who have cancer will lose weight at some point. When you lose weight for unknown reasons, it is known as an unexplained weight loss.
An unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more, may be the first sign of cancer. This happens most often with cancers of the stomach, pancreas, esophagus (swallowing tube), or lung.
5. Skin Changes
Along with skin cancers, some other cancers can cause skin changes that can be seen. These symptoms and signs include:
- Hyperpigmentation or Darker looking skin
- Excessive hair growth
- Pruritis or Itching
- Erythema or Reddened skin
- Jaundice or Yellowish skin and eyes
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