Various areas of the body can be impacted by cancer, and it can manifest with an assortment of symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, changes in the skin, and ongoing coughing. Anyone experiencing ongoing or concerning symptoms should seek medical advice.
Per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cancer was charted as the second top cause of mortality in the USA as of 2016.
Medical professionals have the ability to administer tests that detect cancers at an early stage. Early diagnosis of cancer can significantly improve the likelihood of successful treatment.
This article will explore the common indicators of cancer that are particular to genders and specific to various types of cancer.
Warning signs of cancer in women
Cancers that are specifically prevalent or more often diagnosed in women include types like endometrial, cervical, and breast cancers. It’s important for women to be aware of the following warning signs:
Breast Alterations
Breast cancer can prompt noticeable alterations in breast tissue, underscoring the importance for women to be acquainted with their breasts’ normal appearance and feel.
Key breast changes to be vigilant about include:
- Skin or nipple texture changes, such as dimpling or puckering
- Discharge from the nipple
- Redness, soreness, or swelling in the breast area or around the nipple
- Any shift in breast size or form
Women who observe any of these alterations should promptly consult with a healthcare professional for evaluation. The American Cancer Society suggests that women aged 40 and above should consider regular mammograms as a preventive measure against breast cancer.
Alterations in Breast Appearance
Breast cancer can often manifest through noticeable changes within breast tissue, thereby emphasizing the importance for women to be well-acquainted with their breasts’ usual shape, size, and texture.
Breast alterations to be mindful of include:
- The breast skin or nipple developing a dimpled or puckered appearance.
- Unusual discharge from the nipple.
- Presence of redness, swelling, or sensitivity in the area of the breast skin or the nipple.
- Any noticeable transformation in the overall size or contour of the breast.
Women who identify any such variations in their breast tissue should promptly consult with a medical professional. Based on recommendations from the American Cancer Society, it’s advised that women who are 40 years of age or older consider getting regular mammograms to aid in the early detection of breast cancer.
Vaginal bleeding between periods
For women experiencing regular menstrual cycles, unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting beyond their normal period timeline may be a cause for concern and a reason to visit their healthcare provider. Such occurrences could be indicative of endometrial or cervical cancers, although not exclusively.
It’s particularly crucial for postmenopausal women to pay attention to any instances of vaginal bleeding and to promptly seek medical evaluation, as this could be a sign of a serious condition.
It’s important to note that spotting isn’t always a cancer symptom. It could also result from hormonal contraception use, existing chronic health conditions, or even stress.
However, if spotting is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, abdominal or pelvic pain, dizziness, extreme tiredness, muscle aches, or intense bleeding, seeking immediate medical care is strongly advised.
Signs of testicular cancer in men
Testicular cancer, while uncommon, is currently seeing a rise in cases globally. The American Cancer Society predicts that approximately 9,560 individuals in the United States will be diagnosed with this type of cancer in 2019.
One key symptom of testicular cancer is a firm, often non-painful lump in the testicle. Additional signs to be aware of include:
- Enlargement or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum
- A sensation of weightiness in the scrotum
- Discomfort or pain in the groin area
- Persistent ache in the lower back or stomach region
Alterations in Bowel Movements
Persistent deviations in bowel habits may herald colorectal cancer, which encompasses both colon and rectal cancers.
Those with colorectal cancer might encounter ongoing instances of diarrhea or constipation, along with continuous abdominal discomfort. Additional symptoms may include:
- Narrower than normal stools
- Unplanned weight reduction
- Persistent fatigue
- Development of anemia
- Bloating or excessive abdominal gas
Bleeding Within the Digestive Tract
Colorectal cancer may also lead to blood present in the digestive system. This can result in stools that have a visible presence of blood or that are darker in color.
It’s essential to recognize that not all instances of rectal bleeding or blood in stools are definitive for cancer. Conditions such as hemorrhoids, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal issues can also cause such bleeding.
Nonetheless, it is critically important for individuals, particularly men, not to dismiss this symptom and to seek medical attention promptly, as it could indicate a grave health concern.
Urination Alterations
Both prostate and bladder cancers can exhibit symptoms related to changes in urination patterns.
These types of cancer may affect the urinary system and lead to symptoms that include:
- Trouble starting urination
- Difficulty fully emptying the bladder
- An ongoing urge to urinate
- Urinary incontinence or uncontrolled urination
- Presence of blood within the urine
In the United States, prostate and bladder cancers rank among the most prevalent cancers in men.
Subsequent segments will explore specific signs associated with different types of cancer.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer is indeed the most prevalent form of cancer within the United States, and understanding the differences in types and their signs is important for early detection and treatment.
Nonmelanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are more frequent but typically less aggressive. Basal cell carcinoma may present as a smooth, pearly bump or a sore that continuously heals and reopens, whereas squamous cell carcinoma might manifest as a firm red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.
Melanoma is less common but significantly more dangerous due to its higher likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body. Melanoma can arise from pre-existing moles or on previously normal skin. Warning signs include changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole, particularly if the mole becomes asymmetrical, has irregular borders, or varies in color. Melanomas can also appear as large brownish spots with darker speckles.
Everyone should perform regular skin self-examinations, looking for any changes to the skin or moles, and seek medical evaluation for any suspicious lesions. Additionally, reducing sun exposure and using proper skin protection can help lower the risk of developing skin cancer.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is a prominent health concern for women, being the most frequently diagnosed cancer type and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, as reported by the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Statistics from the American Cancer Society indicate that there’s an estimated 12% risk for U.S. women to develop breast cancer at some point during their lives.
In addition to the emergence of a non-tender lump in the breast, other key indicators of breast cancer to be aware of include:
- Alterations in the breast skin’s texture, such as puckering or flaking
- Nipple discharge that is abnormal
- Breast or nipple pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling
Lung cancer
Lung cancer can be covert, often not showing distinct symptoms during its initial stages, making detection challenging. When symptoms do occur, they may be easily misattribated to common respiratory ailments or the common cold.
Key indicators signaling the possibility of lung cancer include:
- A cough that is consistent and tends to intensify as time progresses
- Recurring instances of respiratory infections, which can include conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis
- Changes in the quality or tone of a person’s voice leading to hoarseness
- Difficulty breathing or the presence of wheezing sounds during respiration
- Unexpected weight loss that lacks an explanation
- Persistent headaches
- Loss of appetite
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer often lacks prominent early symptoms. However, when they occur, the symptoms can be rather nonspecific and include:
- An increased urgency or discomfort when urinating
- Incontinence-related issues
- Challenges or pain during ejaculation
- Blood present in urine or semen
- Pain or a sensation of pressure in the rectal area
- Persistent pain or stiffness in the lower back, abdomen, pelvic region, or upper thighs
It’s critical to remember that these symptoms can also arise from other non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. Despite this, seeing a healthcare provider for any persistent symptoms is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Liver cancer
Persistent fatigue that can’t be explained- Skin that feels unusually itchy
- Discomfort or an increase in size around the abdominal area
- A decrease in appetite without a clear cause
- Weight loss that occurs unintentionally
- Feelings of nausea, potentially with or without vomiting
Leukemia
Leukemia, a cancer impacting the blood and the bone marrow, presents with an array of symptoms that can differ from one individual to another.
Key signs that may point to leukemia include:
- Persistent fatigue that can’t be alleviated by rest
- Persistent fever or a feeling of constant coldness
- General nausea sensations
- Aching or discomfort in bones
- A tendency to acquire infections more often
- Issues related to blood clotting, leading to more pronounced bleeding or bruising
- Shortness of breath or difficulty catching one’s breath
- Weight loss that occurs without a deliberate cause
- A sensation of fullness in the stomach even after small meals
- Persistent headaches
Indications of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma typically arises within the lymphatic system, affecting the lymph nodes and tissues found in the digestive tract, and, less commonly, the skin.
The initial warning sign of non-Hodgkin lymphoma often involves enlargement of one or more lymph nodes, with a notable absence of pain. This cancer may also originate in other body regions such as bones or the gastrointestinal region.
Recognizable symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma can include:
- Enlarged but non-tender lymph nodes, usually discovered in the groin, neck, or underarms
- Persistent feverish feeling
- Ongoing tiredness that rest doesn’t seem to lessen
- Continuous coughing without apparent cause
- Feeling pain in the chest region
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss that isn’t explained by dieting or other known factors
- The emergence of skin rashes without a clear reason
When to see a doctor
Cancer in its early stages may not always be symptomatic. Many of the potential signs of cancer mentioned here can also be attributed to other, less serious conditions.
Nonetheless, it is important not to delay seeking medical advice. Getting an early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment options.
The National Cancer Institute emphasizes the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist beyond a two-week period.
Conversations with healthcare professionals are crucial for anyone experiencing new or deteriorating symptoms, particularly for individuals with a family history of cancer or who possess risk factors that heighten their chances of developing cancer.
Should symptoms begin to disrupt day-to-day activities, it’s critical to obtain prompt medical care.
Summary
Cancer, as the second leading cause of death globally, often does not present clear symptoms in its early stages. However, recognizing potential warning signs is vital for early medical intervention. Typical symptoms to be aware of include:
- Ongoing exhaustion not relieved by rest
- Alterations in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Unexplained loss of weight
- A non-resolving cough that gradually worsens
- Changes in bowel movements or urination
While these symptoms don’t conclusively indicate cancer, their persistence beyond two weeks should prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.
