Find out more about cancer symptoms early before it is too late!
Although there are specific cancer symptoms for each type of cancer, there are still general cancer symptoms which we should be aware of. Let me list the general cancer symptoms here for you. However, there are certain circumstances that may put you a increased risk of developing cancer but, they are not causes. In other words, they don’t necessarily mean that you get cancer – but considering whether any of theses risk factors may apply to you can help in assessing your symptoms:
Cancer Risk Factors
Age
Many cancers become more common with age. taking seriously any new symptoms that persist or that you can’t explain (this warning of course also rings true if you’re younger, but is particularly relevant if you belong to an older age group) is therefore important.
Family history
You may be at increased risk of cancer when cancer runs in your close family. This situation applies to some cancers more than to others, but if you develop symptoms of a particular cancer then mention this family history to your doctor.
Previous cancer
If you’ve had cancer in the past, a recurrence is possible. Even if you see your doctor for regular follow-ups or you regular reviews stopped a while ago, take any unusual and persistent symptoms seriously and seek medical advice.
Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of developing certain cancers – most commonly lung cancer but also cancer of the cervix and bladder. Time to pack in the ciggies!
Toxins
Some industrial and occupational exposures may increase the risk of cancer. For example, certain chemicals increase the risk of bladder cancer, alcohol can lead you to develop chronic liver inflammation that can eventually lead to liver cancer, and exposure to asbestos dust in the past puts you at higher risk of developing a certain type of lung cancer.
Cancer Symptoms
In addition to being aware of any possible risk factors hat may apply to you consider you symptoms. Cancers can cause a host of symptoms, most of which develop gradually over weeks and months, although sometimes the symptoms start acutely, particularly if a tumour is growing relatively fast.
Consider the possibility of cancer if you notice any of the following:
- Fever and night sweats
These symptoms are particularly common with blood cancer (such as leukaemia – Blood cancer) although of course fever is much more commonly due to an acute infection (perhaps in connection with a cough or a sore throat) rather than cancer. - Nausea and vomiting
Persistently feeling sick and vomiting may occur with cancers of the stomach but also with other malignancies such as a brain tumour. However, non-serious stomach problems are usually much more likely. - New, unusual and / or persistent symptoms
You develop a new, unusual, unexpected, persistent or worsening symptom ‘out of the blue’ for no apparent reason and are unable to explain it. - Swollen lymph glands
Lymph glands (located, for example, on your neck, in your armpits and in your groins) tend to swell up during certain infections, but if one or more of your glands stays swollen for more than two weeks (particularly if they don’t hurt), or they gradually get bigger, this can potentially be a sign of a cencer of the lymph glands (known as lymphoma) or one that has spread from else here in your body. - Tiredness
Persistent tiredness is a common symptom of many cancers (particularly blood cancer types), but can also occur due to anaemia caused by blood loss from cancer of the stomach or the intestine. But remember that tiredness is in most cases due to other and much less serious causes. - Weight and appetite
Consider the possibility of cancer if you lose weight for no apparent reason over a period of weeks or months – with or without reduced appetite. Some cancers can make you lose your appetite, whereas in others you feel more hungry.
None of these symptoms necessarily mean that you have cancer, but they can do – particularly if they do not go away – and seek medical advice sooner rather than later if you are concerned.
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Whether You’Re A Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patient, A Survivor, Or A Friend Or Relative Of Either, This Book Offers Help. The Only Text To Provide The Doctor’S And Patient’S View, 100 Questions & Answers About Cancer Symptoms And Cancer Treatment Side Effects Gives You Authoritative, Practical Answers To Your Questions About Cancer And Coping With Its Symptoms. The Book, Which Includes Comments From Actual Cancer Patients, Provides Invaluable Information On The Best Treatment For Relieving Pain, Nausea, Fatigue, Anemia, Skin Problems, The Value Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine, And Much More. Written By Cancer Care Professionals And Patients, This Book Is A Unique Resource For Anyone Coping With The Physical And Emotional Turmoil Of Cancer.
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Designed To Assist Clinical Oncology Nurses In Skillfully Relieving And Diminishing The Cancer Patient’S Symptoms, Cancer Symptom Management, Third Edition Provides Essential Information And The Tools Necessary To Educate And Provide Quality Care To Cancer Patients. The Text Contains Nursing Care Plans And Management Algorithms, And Includes A CD-ROM Of Customizable Patient Self-Care Guides.
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Cancer: Symptoms & Treatment History (1940s) [DVD]
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The film concludes with a positive note that doctors, scientific researchers, and institutions like the American Cancer Society are ardently looking for ways not only to cure the dreaded disease but also to inform the public.
Cancer: Symptoms & Treatment History (1940s) [DVD]
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Learn about early cancer symptoms and signs as the tumor in spinal chord that began to paralyze the leg.
