4 days Ago By Elaine Blackburne
The fight against cancer is time-critical, with early detection being a significant factor for successful treatment. According to Macmillan Cancer Support, the UK sees approximately 393,000 new cancer diagnoses each year, translating to a diagnosis about every 90 seconds. The charity notes the stark reality that cancer claims roughly 167,000 lives annually in the UK, averaging 460 deaths each day.
Now, experts from the University of California San Francisco have identified 17 key symptoms signaling cancer which people need to be conscious of. They stress these signs should never be overlooked. Lung cancer symptoms in people who've never smoked - and how it's different in smokers 'I'm a top neurologist - here are common sign of brain cancer people often ignore' Their message is clear: "Early detection is one of the best weapons against cancer.
Screenings can detect a cancer before symptoms appear." Paying close attention to changes in your body is crucial, they advise. "You too can pick up on early warning signs by paying close attention to changes in your body.
If you notice something new or different that lasts several weeks and several weeks is key reach out to your health care provide," reports Gloucestershire Live . They caution not to jump to conclusions as "Not every symptom that could be cancer is cancer. But here are 17 symptoms that may warrant a call to your doctor.
" Be vigilant of the following signs and their potential implications:. 1. Abnormal periods or pelvic pain.
While it's common for most women to face occasional period irregularities or cramps, persistent pain or menstrual changes could indicate cervical, endometrial or ovarian cancers. 2. Changes in bathroom habits.
Significant alterations in bodily functions could be indicative of various cancers, including colon, prostate, and bladder cancer. Key symptoms to watch out for include persistent constipation or diarrhoea; the presence of black or red blood in your stool; dark, sticky stools; increased urination frequency; and blood in your urine. 3.
Bloating. Occasional bloating is common for everyone. However, experiencing bloating for more than two weeks could signal ovarian cancer or several gastrointestinal cancers.
4. Changes in the Breast. Symptoms such as a new lump, dimpling, discolouration, changes around the nipple, or unusual discharge should not be ignored.
While breast cancer predominantly affects women, it can also occur in men. 5. Persistent Coughing.
A cough that lingers for over two weeks, particularly a dry one, could be a symptom of lung cancer. 6. Chronic Headache.
A headache that persists for more than two weeks and doesn't respond to standard medications might be a sign of a brain tumour. 7. Difficulty Swallowing.
If you're struggling to swallow for more than two weeks, feeling like food is getting stuck in your throat, it could be a symptom of throat, lung, or stomach cancer. 8. Excessive Bruising.
While it's normal to bruise your shin on the coffee table, suddenly noticing numerous bruises in unusual places that you don't recall bumping into could indicate different types of blood cancers. 9. Frequent Fevers or Infections.
Repeatedly experiencing a fever or transitioning from one infection to another could be a sign of an immune system compromised by leukaemia or lymphoma (Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's). 10. Oral changes.
Persistent sores, lesions, or painful areas in the mouth, particularly in individuals who smoke or drink heavily, could be indicative of various oral cancers. 11. Skin changes.
Any alterations in the appearance of a mole or birthmark could suggest skin cancer and should be examined. To remember which changes might be worrisome, consider using this mnemonic device, ABCDE. 12.
Pain that persists. Chronic pain anywhere in your body without a clear cause and unresponsive to standard treatments should be evaluated. 13.
Constant fatigue. A sudden, enduring shift in your energy level, regardless of how much sleep you get, could be a symptom of lymphoma or leukaemia. 14.
Postmenopausal bleeding. There are several reasons why you might experience bleeding after menopause, but if it continues, your doctor may want to screen for cervical cancer or endometrial cancer. 15.
Stomach discomfort or nausea. Unusual stomach discomfort lasting more than two weeks can serve as a warning sign of liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, or various digestive system cancers. 16.
Unexplained weight loss. While weight fluctuates in most people, losing weight unintentionally or losing your appetite seemingly without reason could potentially indicate many types of cancers, especially those that have metastasized. 17.
Unusual lumps. Any new lump or mass that remains persistent should be examined. Lymph nodes, the small glands located in the armpits, groin and neck that generate white blood cells to combat infection, often swell during a cold.
However, if the swelling continues after recovery, it's advisable to reach out to your doctor. When to seek medical advice. If you notice any of these symptoms or have health-related concerns, it's recommended to consult with a GP or other healthcare provider.
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