| Since prevention is one of the most important cancer fighting tools, it is important that cancer be detected as early as possible before it spreads. Telltale Signs of Cancer include A lump or thickening in the breast or testicles, a change in a wart or mole, a skin sore or a persistent sore throat that doesn't heal, a change in bowel or bladder habits, a persistent cough or coughing blood, constant indigestion or trouble swallowing, unusual bleeding or vaginal discharge and chronic fatigue. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see a physician immediately.  The following are symptoms that may occur in specific types of cancers: Bladder cancer: Blood in the urine, pain or burning upon urination, frequent urination or cloudy urine. Bone cancer: Pain in the bone or swelling around the affected site, fractures in bones, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, repeated infections, nausea, vomiting, constipation, problems with urination, weakness or numbness in the legs, bumps and bruises that persist. Brain cancer: Dizziness, drowsiness, abnormal eye movements or changes in vision, weakness, loss of feeling in arms or legs or difficulties in walking, fits or convulsions, changes in personality, memory or speech, headache that tend to be worse in the morning and ease during the day, that may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. Breast cancer: A lump or thickening of the breast, discharge from the nipple, change in the skin of the breast, a feeling of heat or enlarged lymph nodes under the arm. Colorectal cancer: Rectal bleeding (red blood in stools or black stools), abdominal cramps, constipation alternating with diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, pallid complexion. Kidney cancer: Blood in urine, dull ache or pain in the back or side, lump in kidney area, sometimes accompanied by high blood pressure or abnormality in red blood cell count. Leukemia: Weakness, paleness, fever and flu-like symptoms, bruising and prolonged bleeding, enlarged lymph nodes, spleen, liver, pain in bones and joints, frequent infections, weight loss, night sweats. Lung cancer: Wheezing, persistent cough for months, blood-streaked sputum, persistent ache in chest, congestion in lungs, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Melanoma: Change in mole or other bump on the skin, including bleeding or change in size, shape, color, or texture. Painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin, persistent fever, feeling of fatigue, unexplained weight loss, itchy skin and rashes, small lumps in skin, bone pain, swelling in the abdomen, liver or spleen enlargement. Oral cancer: A lump in the mouth, ulceration of the lip, tongue or inside of the mouth that does not heal within a couple of weeks, dentures that no longer fit well, oral pain, bleeding, foul breath, loose teeth, and changes in speech. Ovarian cancer: Abdominal swelling in rare cases, abnormal vaginal bleeding, digestive discomfort. Pancreatic cancer: Upper abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss, pain near the center of the back, intolerance of fatty foods, yellowing of the skin, abdominal masses, enlargement of liver and spleen. Prostate cancer: Urination difficulties due to blockage of the urethra, bladder retains urine, creating frequent feelings of urgency to urinate, especially at night, bladder not emptying fully, burning or painful urination, blood in urine, tenderness over the bladder and dull ache in the pelvis or back. Stomach cancer: Indigestion or heartburn, discomfort or pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, bloating after meals, loss of appetite, weakness and fatigue, bleeding - vomiting blood or blood in the stool. Uterine cancer: Abnormal vaginal bleeding, a watery discharge with blood in postmenopausal stage, a painful urination, pain during intercourse, pain in pelvic area. |
