SEVEN WARNING SIGNS OF CANCER
As my mother, grandmother and sister all died of cancer I believe that it is a good idea to know the general signs and symptoms of the disease.
What to look out for:
- A change in bowel or bladder habits
- Any sore that does not heal
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Lump or a thickening in the breast, testicles or elsewhere
- Change in the size, color, shape or thickness of a mole or wart
- Persistent cough or hoarseness
- Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
Although having one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have cancer, it is better to be safe than to be sorry.
You should also keep a watch out for:
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Persistent fatigue, nausea, vomiting or low-grade fever
- Chronic pain
- Persistent headaches
- Repeated instances of infection
Sometimes people ignore symptoms out of fear or unawareness. The earlier cancer is found the less likely it has spread to other parts of the body and the better your chance of survival.
Chances are that any symptoms you may have will not be caused by cancer. However, do not take a gamble with your life. See your general practitioner. If you do not have cancer at least your doctor can find out what the problem is and treat it. If it is cancer, you will give yourself a better chance of survival having early treatment.
Remember, cancer is not necessarily a death sentence. Significant progress has been made in cancer research and treatment and improved the quality of cancer patients’ lives as well as reduced their pain.