18 Major Cancer Signs and Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Cancer refers to the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells in the body. It usually occurs when the body's control mechanism stops functioning, resulting in the spread of these malignant cells.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in recent times. Blame it on pollution, unhealthy dietary habits, alcoholism, genetics or chain-smoking, none of it can detect the disease at its early stages.

It is recommended that people exposed to cancer-prone habits or situations should get regular health checkups done, to be safeguarded from the risk of it metastasizing into its incurable form.

We've laid down some primary symptoms which will help you identify the early signs of cancer and be fruitful in eliminating them at the soonest.

18 EARLY SIGNS OF CANCER:

1. UNRELIEVED COUGHING with BLOODY SALIVA:

Incessant coughing, accompanied with blood-tinged saliva, can usually be signed off as symptoms of bronchitis or sinusitis.

However, it can also be the early signs of lung or head and neck cancer. If the cough persists for more than a month with bloody mucus, a cancer specialist should immediately be consulted.

2. BLOOD IN FECES:

Hemorrhoids are the leading cause of rectal bleeding; however, any blood in your stool should be diagnosed by a doctor. Since the condition is common, it can occur with cancer. The intestinal tract should be examined with proper care. A colonoscopy is highly recommended.

3. IRREGULAR BOWEL MOVEMENTS:

Abnormal bowel movements like continuous diarrhea, constipation or a constant pressure throughout can be related to early signs of cancer. Any significant change in defecation without a proper explanation should be checked under the guidance of a medical professional likely cancer specialist.

4. BREAST LUMPS:

Breast lumps are usually non-cancerous cysts; however, any abnormality should immediately be diagnosed with the help of a medical professional. Mammography accompanied with an MRI and biopsy is recommended as they're best for cancer treatment procedures.

5. BREAST DISCHARGE:

Discharge from breasts is typical, but abnormal consistency or release from only one breast should be an early alarm.

6. LUMPS IN TESTICLES:

Abnormally enlarged testicles that are usually painless are mostly cancerous. Any non-uniformity should be directly conveyed to a cancer specialist for proper treatment.

Monthly self-examination of the testes should be carried out to keep risks at bay.

7. NON UNIFORM URINATION:

These symptoms include recurrent urination or slow urine flow. Most urine irregularities are connected to urinary tract infections; however, there can also be underlying conditions such as prostate gland cancer.

8. SUSPICIOUS WARTS OR MOLES:

A sudden increase in the size of an existing mole or wart should not be left unassisted. It can be a form of skin cancer.

9. VAGINAL BLEEDING OR DISCHARGE:

Periods are common and naturally occurring phenomena in women. Yet, irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge needs to be examined by a medic. It can be a significant sign of uterus cancer.

10. SUDDEN WEIGHT LOSS:

Although this particular symptom goes unnoticed, one should always be vigilant towards sudden loss of weight. If you lose more than 5kgs in a month, get appropriately examined by a professional as it can be an underlying cancer condition.

11. ITCHY GENITALS:

Persistent itching in the genital area can be an early sign of skin cancer. Any itching that does not go away with medication should be examined.

12. HAIR LOSS:

Hair fall in an abundant amount resulting in bald patches should not be left unattended. It can be a form of any serious underlying condition or skin cancer.

13. RECURRING BLOATING or INDIGESTION:

Repeated bloating or indigestion can be symptoms of stomach cancer.

14. CHRONIC HEADACHE:

Headaches can be caused by stress, migraine, common cold, etc. However, a severe problem that feels unnatural should be examined thoroughly.

15. EASY PERSISTENT BRUISING:

Bruises heal quickly in no time. However, easy bruising that does not heal within a week can be signed off as skin cancer.

16. MOUTH IRREGULARITIES:

White, yellow, red patches inside the mouth can be related to mouth cancer. Canker sores that are not healed with medication are also signs of mouth cancer.

17. PERSISTENT FEVER:

Fever that does not go away with medication can be another symptom of cancer.

18. DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING:

If you have difficulty in swallowing food and vomit right after having a meal, it can likely be a sign of mouth or oesophagal cancer.

Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre is one of the leading medical hospitals for cancer treatment. Doctors around India highly recommend it as it provides world-class cancer treatment procedures.