Cancer is one leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for at least 10 million people dead worldwide in 2020 alone. Despite these diseases existing for quite a while now, we still have no sure-fire way to deal with cancer. To effectively combat cancer, one needs to identify symptoms of cancer while it is still early.
But there is a downside when trying to look up symptoms. Searching for the causes of symptoms of your current health condition may sometimes cause you to stumble in an article saying that you have cancer. There are memes all over the internet about how searching for diagnosing symptoms always leads you to cancer.
Perhaps, there may be a small amount of truth to those memes. However, these jokes take the seriousness of cancer lightly. The earlier you can recognize symptoms of cancer, the higher your chances of curing it.
What Is Cancer And Why Does It Happen?
Cancer is a disease where some of the body’s cells mutate differently and produce themselves rapidly. They then spread themselves throughout the body uncontrollably. Cancer can come from anywhere within our bodies.
Every day, our bodies produce and divide cells by the millions. Our body constantly needs new cells to replace dead cells and to grow physically. But among the trillions of cells, a mishap will occur at some point.
The probability will tell you that among the trillions of cells, perhaps one or two cells will develop a defect or mutate. Typically, they wither and die, or the body’s immune system disposes of them since they are considered defects. However, occasionally, one cell may go unnoticed.
When that happens, these cells then multiply rapidly, causing untold damages around your body.
How Does Cancer Cause Signs And Symptoms?
When cancers start to develop, certain cancers will gather around and form a series of clumps. These clumps are what we often refer to as tumors.
Once they are in those stages, they start to affect their surroundings. They push on nearby blood vessels, nerves, and organs. That’s why specific signs and symptoms begin to pop out.
Why It’s Important To Catch Signs and Symptoms Of Cancer Early
No matter the age or health condition, there is always that possibility that cancers may strike any moment. Although chances are low, it’s still better that you are aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer.
A significant percentage of cancers caught early can be cured. These patients got their cancer diagnosis even before the symptoms manifested. An early diagnosis prevented the cancerous cell from affecting essential organs.
Unfortunately, however, cancers are very hard to detect in their early stages. Some cancer doesn’t have regular screening guidelines, while others only show their symptoms in the late stages.
To help yourself keep an eye on your health condition:
- Consider doing an annual blood check and other physicals.
- If you think there is anything amiss, don’t hesitate to talk to a doctor about it.
- Mention your family’s health history, and particularly, a history of cancer.
Signs And Symptoms Of Cancer
We define signs as something that an outside observer can perceive. Signs are objective evidence, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is proof that you have a certain kind of health condition.
Examples of signs are paleness, rashes, red eyes, etc. Signs are apparent to anyone, but professional medical experts should be the ones diagnosing.
Symptoms, on the other hand, are something that someone physically is feeling. These feelings aren’t evident to anyone. An outsider cannot observe these symptoms.
You can’t see, smell, or hear symptoms. You can’t see headaches, stress, stomach aches, etc.
In short, the sign is objective observation, while symptoms are subjective experience.
The following signs and symptoms don’t necessarily indicate that you have cancer. However, if there are no other explanations of your symptoms, you should look into it more.
Sudden Unexplained Weight Loss
Almost half of the people currently experiencing cancer will suddenly experience an onset of rapid weight loss. That’s because the cancer cells are quickly eating away the nutrients that you ate. It will deprive your body of some needed resources causing weight loss.
Anemia
Are you currently experiencing anemia despite having no anemia before? Certain cancers like lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia can disrupt the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
Pain
Pain happens a lot when you are sick. However, pain induced by bone cancer will start hurting even at its early stages, and it typically occurs throughout the body.
Skin Changes
Cancers such as melanoma can cause a skin mole to appear. The mole is unique as it changes its shape, color, and feel. Basal skin cancer symptoms include itchiness and red patches.
Headaches
Brain tumors cause headaches. At first, headaches come and go. However, during the late stages of brain tumors, headaches can last for days and rarely get better, even with treatment. If the cause of the headache is unknown, consult your doctor about it.
Cough
Cough and colds are normal, but when they last long and are coarse, it may indicate lung cancers. Coughs caused by lung cancers are dry and won’t go away for a long time.
Bleeding
Cancers can come out from anywhere and will interfere with your bodily processes. Cancer can cause bleeding, and you can see it in your feces or urine. Rectal cancer can cause bleeding in your rectum, and urinary cancer can cause blood in your urine.
Fever
Certain cancers such as blood cancer and lymphoma can cause fever that lasts for days or even weeks. Call for a doctor immediately when it happens.
When To See A Doctor?
These symptoms of cancer occur when it is during its late stages. If you are currently experiencing these health conditions, we highly suggest that you seek medical assistance immediately. It doesn’t matter if you are unsure; it’s better that you are safe than sorry. Contact ENT Allergy & Sinus Center if you need a consultation about your current health condition.
