World Cancer Day is celebrated on 4th February every year. This day is dedicated to spreading knowledge about cancer and eliminating misconceptions about this disease. This day not only raises awareness about the disease but also encourages its prevention, detection, and treatment. Its prime goal is to decrease the death rate and illnesses caused by cancer. Many people are not aware of the different signs and symptoms caused by cancer. Let’s explore the different types of cancer and the various signs and symptoms they can cause.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is known to be the deadliest group of diseases that can show almost any sign or symptom. Symptoms and signs of cancer vary depending on the type of cancer. As the cancer spreads, symptoms begin to appear in other parts of the body.
When the cancer cells grow, they begin to press against nearby organs, blood vessels, and nerves. A cancer may cause many symptoms, including fever, extreme tiredness or weight loss. This may occur when the cancer cells have depleted the body’s energy supply. In turn, this may impact the body’s immune system.
How to determine the signs and symptoms of cancer?
It becomes easier to treat cancer if its symptoms are seen at an early stage. This reduces the likelihood of the disease spreading to other parts of the body. There are various types of cancer treatments available these days that may include removing the tumor with surgery. Therefore, it is essential to have periodic check-ups that can help detect cancer at an early stage.
General signs and symptoms of cancer
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- Unexplained weight loss
It has been observed that most cancer patients experience weight loss at some point in their treatment. The cause of this unexplained weight loss has not yet been determined. Some people experience weight loss of about 10 pounds, which may be the first sign of cancer. These symptoms are experienced in cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus or lungs.
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- Fever and fatigue
Fever is the most common symptom of cancer. Fever is a symptom that occurs when cancer cells spread to other organs. As a result, the body’s immune system is affected. In certain blood cancers, such as lymphoma or leukaemia, people may experience fever as an early symptom of the disease. Extreme tiredness or fatigue is also a symptom that occurs when cancer cells begin to grow. There are a few colon or stomach cancers that cause blood loss. This may lead to fatigue.
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- Pain
Pain is also an early symptom experienced in some cancers, such as testicular or bone cancers. Some people also get throbbing headaches that may be a symptom of a brain tumor. Some cancers of the colon, rectum or ovary can also cause severe back pain.
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- Lumps or thickening under the skin
Cancerous lumps are usually immovable, hard, and may grow rapidly. It is essential to evaluate any new or changing lump immediately and consult your doctor to determine the cause and next course of action.
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- Changes in bladder or bowel habits
This could be a cancerous sign or a side effect of cancer treatment. Changes in bladder or bowel habits may include alterations in frequency, consistency, and control of bowel movements and urination. This includes constipation, diarrhea, or a change in stool shape, which can indicate colorectal cancer. At the same time, an increased urgency or frequency of urination.
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- Cough or hoarseness
A persistent hoarseness or cough can be a symptom of certain cancers, particularly lung or laryngeal cancer, especially when these symptoms persist for several weeks despite treatment.
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- Bleeding or bruising
Unusual bleeding or bruising is another cancer sign, particularly blood cancers like lymphoma and leukaemia (a cancer that spreads to the bone marrow). This type of cancer usually affects the body’s platelet production, which is crucial for blood clotting, leading to increased susceptibility to bruising and bleeding.
How to reduce the risk of cancer or how to lower the risk of cancer?
Often, a healthy lifestyle prevents many health complications. Balanced diet, maintaining a healthy body weight, regular exercise, quitting tobacco, and preventing excessive alcohol consumption are some of the ideal ways to keep health issues at bay, including cancer. Additionally, get prescribed vaccinations in a timely manner, undergo cancer screenings when in doubt, avoid excessive sun exposure, and be watchful of potential environmental hazards.
Conclusion:
Cancer is known to be the most fatal disease. However, if the symptoms are detected at an early stage, it is curable. There are many cancer treatments available for people that also include having prescribed medicines and drugs. A reputable online pharmacy, AllDayChemist, is recognized for offering a wide range of high-quality medicines and drugs that can help alleviate cancer symptoms. Consult your doctor to learn how to reduce cancer risk before it’s too late.
