Key Signs & Symptoms of Cancer

It’s vital to know your body & to tell your doctor if you observe a change which is not normal for you. This list, in no unique order, highlights a few of the key symptoms to be alert to. But if you identify something that is not normal for you, get it tested.

Breathlessness

It isn’t strange to feel out of breath every now & then. But if you observe that you are feeling exhausted more than usual or for lots of the time, consult with your doctor.

Unexplained vaginal bleeding

‘Spotting’ or bleeding between periods is a pretty common side-effect of the birth control pill. But blood loss from the vagina between periods, post-menopause or after sex should be tested by your doctor.

Unexplained ache or pain

Pain is the best way our bodies tell us that anything is wrong. As we grow older, it is more common to encounter aches & pains. But if you’ve unexplained, continuous pain, or pain that comes & goes for more than four weeks, make a visit to your doctor.

Persistent indigestion or heartburn

It’s normal to feel minor discomfort or pain often after eating a large, spicy or fatty meal. But if you’re experiencing indigestion or heartburn a lot, or if it’s specifically painful, then make sure you see your doctor.

Croaky voice or hoarseness

Feeling hoarse or having a croaky voice could be common with colds. But a croaky voice which has not gone away on its own after a couple of weeks should be tested by your doctor.

Looser poo or pooing more often

Loose, regular bowel motions are generally caused by food poisoning or stomach bugs, but if you’ve observed a change to pooing more often or looser poo that has lasted four to six weeks or more, then it is important to consult with your doctor.

Persistent bloating

It is quite common for females to experience bloating of the stomach that comes & goes. But if you experience bloated, most days, for three weeks or more, make a meeting to see your doctor.

Difficulty swallowing

Several medical conditions can make it hard to swallow. But if you’re having problems swallowing & the problem does not go away after a few weeks, it should be tested.

Sore that will not heal

The skin repair itself very rapidly & any damage generally heals within a week or so. When an area, wart or sore does not heal after a number of weeks, even if it is painless, a doctor has to check it.

Mouth or tongue ulcer that will not heal

It is common to get ulcers in the mouth when you are slightly run down. The mouth lining renews itself every two weeks or so that is why ulcers generally heal within this time. But an ulcer that does not heal after three weeks should be claimed to your dentist.

Heavy night sweats

Sweating at night-time can be a result of infections or it could be a side effect of particular medications. It is also often encountered by women around the duration of the menopause. But very hefty, drenching night sweats could also be a symptom of cancer & should be tested by your doctor.

Unusual breast changes

Lumps aren’t the only breast changes that must be reported to a doctor. Also watch out for any change in the shape, size, or feel of a breast, an alteration to the skin redness, texture, pain in the breast, fluid leaking from the nipple or a nipple change in a woman who isn’t breastfeeding or pregnant. Be sure your doctor understands about any changes.

Blood in your poo

The most common reason for blood in your poo is piles. But blood in your stools can often be an indication of cancer. Your doctor would like to know if you identify blood whenever you go to the toilet.

Blood in your pee

Blood in your pee ought to always be claimed to a doctor. Normally this is not due to cancer & can be dealt with quickly & easily, but it can be an indication of cancer. Your doctor is going to be able to let you know what the cause is.

Unexplained weight loss

Small weight adjustments over time are fairly normal, but if you drop a recognizable amount of weight devoid of trying to, tell your doctor.