C.A.U.T.I.O.N

Years ago, the American Cancer Society developed an acronym “CAUTION”. This acronym is to help the general population detect the most popular types of cancer at the earliest stage possible. As I have always mentioned in the Cancer series, the earlier your cancer is detected, the better. the survival rate of the localized breast is at 98% which is far higher compared to metastasized breast cancer which stands at 28%. Localized breast cancer refers to breast cancer that hasn’t yet spread to other body parts. Well, metastasis is the process through which cancer cells spread from their original location of formation to other body sites. When I say metastasized breast cancer, I mean cancer that has already spread from its initial site to other body parts.

The “CAUTION” acronym gives a hint on cancers and their most immediate signs and symptoms. None of the Cancer types has a definitive symptom but the ones stated in this acronym are most likely to be direct cancer symptoms. It’s also important to note that some of the signs and symptoms housed in this acronym are not necessarily cancer symptoms. Signs like changes in bowel/bladder habits may be caused by other diseases like ulcers or digestive tract disorders. Now, we are going to discuss the signs and the cancers associated with these particular symptoms.

C: change in bowel/bladder habits

An abrupt change could be an indicator of developing cancer. Men who developed prostate cancer reported a persistent urge to urinate in the early stages of prostate cancer. Diarrhea and constipation are also indicative symptoms of colorectal cancer. Discolored urine, deep yellow urine, and bloody urine are also symptoms of kidney cancer. If you spot any of the above, immediately seek medical advice.

A: a sore that doesn’t heal

Sore that persist for more than 2 weeks could cancerous. Males who developed penile cancer greatly reported sores in their genital area during their initial cancer stages. These sores also include lessons and persistent wounds.

U: unusual bleeding

Unusual bleeding or discharge from any part of your body could be an indicator of developing cancer. Bleeding from nipples in most cases if not all is a sign of breast cancer. Men who developed penile cancer reported unusual discharge, especially in the second stage. Vaginal Bleeding for women who already reached menopause could be an indicator of uterine cancer.

T: thickening of a lump in the breast or elsewhere

Usually, lumps are tumors. Tumors can be either malignant or benign. Malignant tumors are the ones responsible for causing cancer. Malignant tumors are cancerous tumors. They are very deadly and tricky. Malignant tumors are capable of moving from one part of the body to another. Through metastasis, malignant tumors move to other body parts hence the development of new tumors. So the simple equation is A lump = tumor. A tumor = cancer. The weirdest thing about a lump is, the painful lumps are in most cases not cancerous. The painless lumps tend to be the most dangerous. Worst of all, the painless lumps are always ignored. Cancer is such a twisty disease that pain will be the last sign to show up.

I: indigestion with difficulty in swallowing

If you tend to feel pain while swallowing, that could be a sign of oral tract cancer. Indigestion could be an indicator of stomach cancer.

O: obvious change in moles or warts

This could one of the most obvious signs of lung cancer. A wart that changes in color or bleeds is a straightforward indicator of skin cancer or melanoma. Some warts may even keep moving from one site to another.

N: nagging cough or hoarseness

A cough that doesn’t heal for months with difficulty in breathing can be a good sign of lung cancer. We ought to differentiate lung cancer from other breathing complications like asthma

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