It’s difficult to describe cancer warning signs because certain types of cancer may have few symptoms initially. Various areas of the body affected by cancer will not have the same symptoms. Another problem with evaluating cancer warning signs is that many of these signs can indicate other medical conditions. Generally, a good rule to follow is that people should see a doctor if they note these signs. However, try not to be too worried about symptoms before visiting your physician.
The main cancer warning signs are usually broken down into lists. The American Cancer Society has an excellent list of seven symptoms that may indicate certain types of cancer. These are sores on the skin that resist healing, lumps in breast tissue or elsewhere in the body, bleeding or discharge from any area of the body that is unusual, significant changes in bladder or bowel behavior, coughing or hoarseness of the throat that doesn’t resolve, difficulty swallowing or chronic indigestion, and quick changes in warts or moles.
The list attempts to cover cancer warning signs of major systems in the body. It’s easy to see that these symptoms are potential indicators of other conditions. For instance, sores that don’t heal could suggest infection or changes in bladder behavior might be symptoms of kidney or bladder stones. While it is important to see a doctor when these symptoms exist, a single cancer warning sign does not mean a person has cancer.
Doctors usually look for quite a few symptoms that indicate potential cancers. “Bladder changes” is a broad category and doctors may look to more specific signs that suggest certain cancers. Men who have reduced urinary output and difficulty using the bathroom may be symptomatic of prostate cancer. Other symptoms of prostate cancer include needing to urinate frequently, painful urination, and blood present in the urine or semen. Bladders changes could also be related to cancer of the bladder. Bloody urine and pain during urination are common to those with this cancer.
Recognizing potential cancer warning signs may be a great step in remaining healthy. Unfortunately, later diagnoses of cancer are challenging to treat and survivability of most cancers increases with early diagnosis. It’s important to realize that not having these symptoms cannot guarantee a person doesn’t have cancer. Certain forms of cancer may be present for a long time before they begin causing noticeable symptoms.
