World Cancer Day: Consider the signs and symptoms of life-threatening cancer.
Many times cancer is diagnosed 'incidentally' by laboratory testing or X-ray. Here are some early signs that everyone should be aware of to quickly diagnose cancer
World Cancer Day 2022 is celebrated annually on February 4 to spread awareness and education about the disease and prevent millions of deaths each year worldwide. The theme of World Cancer Day this year is ‘closing the care gap’. A lot is being done to bring quality cancer care to the countries.
During World Cancer Day, Dr. Radhakrishnan, Consultant Radiation & Clinical Oncologist at Jaslok Hospital and Research Center, Mumbai. Mukul Roy shares the warning signs of common cancers with HT Digital.
What is cancer?
‘Abnormal growth of cancer cells. It can arise from any part of the body. It is made up of small cells that have lost their ability to stop growing. This lump grows and can spread and cover other areas other than the primary area. This growth will cling to the size of the patient or physician until it is large enough to be observed, says Dr. Nguyen. Says Roy.
Here is a list of some potential cancer symptoms that one should not ignore
1. Any tumor or swelling in the breast or elsewhere.
2. No ulcer will heal.
3. Unusual bleeding or discharge.
4. Difficulty or pain in swallowing
5. Change in knot or scar.
6. Cough or rash of sound, unexplained.
7. Changes in bowel or bladder habits.
8. Lack of appetite or unexplained weight loss in the short term.
Cancer can affect any organ and signs and symptoms can vary depending on the area covered. Here are the specific signs of some common cancers.
Signs of oral cancer
In general, oral cavity cancers are ulcers or develop in the mouth, lips, or tongue, especially if there is a history of tobacco use.
If growth is in the soundbox, it can present as sound snoring and if it involves any part of the food tube, it may be difficult to eat solid food with or without associated pain.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
If cancer develops in the cervix or uterus (uterus), it may present as abnormal bleeding or intermittent bleeding between periods. There may be persistent blood loss and dull aches or pains in the abdomen and associated weakness due to back pain. Cervical cancer is usually characterized by bleeding after intercourse.
Lung cancer symptoms
Lung cancer may be associated with cough, blood-tinged sputum, with no treatment. It is one of those cancers that are easy to diagnose and treat quickly. Also, cigarette smoking is strongly associated with it.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Yew is very common in elderly men with prostate cancer and is almost 60 years old with urgency and frequency of urination. Brain tumors may be accompanied by cramps, headaches, vision problems, imbalances in gait, depending on the area involved in the brain.