Breast Cancer Signs
The female body goes through many things, including menstrual cycles and menopause. It's okay to experience some discomfort from time-to-time. It's important to have any changes in symptoms evaluated by your doctor. You might be experiencing signs and symptoms of cancer.
Some of the most common cancers women get include:
- Breast
- Colon and rectum colorectal
- Lung
- Cervical
- Endometrial (lining in the uterus)
- Skin
Remember that cancer symptoms may also occur due to other conditions. And for cancers that affect both men and women, symptoms tend to be the same for both genders. However, it is important that you inform your doctor immediately if there are any warning signs.
Breast or Nipple Changes
A lump doesn't mean you have breast cancer. However, if the lump continues for more than 2 weeks, it is worth getting a second opinion.
The following are other symptoms you should be aware of:
- A swollen breast (with or without a lump)
- Your collarbone or armpit should be lumped
- Bloody or clear nipple drainage
- Nipples to point inward
- A skin with a dimpling appearance (orange peel)
- Breast or nipple pain
- Red, itchy, or thick nipple or breast skin
Some experts think it's a good idea to check your breasts and underarms once a month. Other experts are less certain. You can ask your doctor if this is right for you. Your doctor will tell you how often you'll need to have mammograms. That's an X-ray that looks for changes in your breast tissue.
Bowel Modifications
Colorectal carcinoma can manifest as bowel changes. This can affect your colon and rectum. You may experience hemorhoids (IBS), irritable stool syndrome (IBS) or inflammatorybowel disease (IBD). Women could confuse some colorectal cancer symptoms with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or their periods.
If your poo habits have changed for longer than 7 days, or if you experience other symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- You can have a thin, dark or bloody stool
- Belly cramps and pain
- You can feel tired and weak.
- Unexplained weight loss
Colorectal cancer can be diagnosed by your doctor before symptoms appear. Although there are many tests available, the most common is to examine your colon using a long flexible tube. It's known as a colonoscopy. One may be required on a frequent basis if you are over 45, or have conditions such as ulcerative colitis. Talk to your doctor for advice.
A tumor in or around your bowels can cause you to have more or less bowel movements. That can happen if you have cancer in your pelvis or vagina.
Pelvic, Back or Belly Pain
Endometriosis is a condition that causes pain in the lower torso. This could also indicate cramps in your menstrual cycle . Long-lasting pains or pressure in the back, abdomen, and pelvis can all be signs of various types of cancer. These include colorectal, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.
Lower back pain can also be caused by a tumor or other cancer. Pancreatic cancer is rare but it can cause upper stomach pain, which may spread to your back.
Bloating
You may feel puffy after eating a large meal, or just before you have your period. Talk to your doctor if this happens for several weeks. You could have ovarian, or another type of cancer.
Pee Treatments
Your bladder habits can change due to urinary tract infections. Sometimes, however, peeing problems can be a sign that something is more serious. You should see your doctor right away when you notice blood in the urine. This can be an indication of a bladder infection or kidney cancer.
There are other signs that may indicate a cancerous or a fungal infection of the urinary tract.
- You feel pressure around your bladder
- Peeing can cause pain or burns
- You should urinate frequently
- Urge to pee immediately
- Problems with emptying your bladder
Weight Loss
It is possible to lower your risk of developing cancer by maintaining a healthy weight. Talk to your doctor if the weight loss is more than 10 pounds. You may lose weight due to cancer.
Non-Period Bleeding or Discharge
Talk to your doctor about spotting, bloody or smelly periods. These symptoms are often caused by infection. But sometimes they're a sign of cervical, vaginal, or endometrial cancer.
If bleeding occurs after going through menopause, you should immediately see your doctor. It's not normal.
Fatigue
A busy schedule can sap your energy. A good night of sleep should make you feel more refreshed. If you don't, tell your doctor. A sign of cancer is serious tiredness or persistent feeling that won't stop.
A Loss of Appetite
Tumors that are located near or in the digestive tract may press against your stomach. It can make it difficult to eat, as you may feel satisfied. You may also experience hunger pangs from cancer.
Fever or Night Sweats
Menopause can cause you to wake up sometimes with wet sheets. If you have night sweats, it may be due to lymphoma and/or leukemia. This can also cause a fever.
A fever can be caused by cancer spreading from another place (metastasizes), or if your immune system is affected.
Cough
Sometimes, a constant cough can be a sign that you have lung cancer. Hoarseness is a sign of cancer. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Chest pain or bloody cough should be reported immediately to your doctor.
Skin Modifications
The appearance of skin cancer may look something like a larger mole. You may also notice a large, reddened spot or a sore that won't heal.
Skin cancer can be diagnosed by a doctor or dermatologist. Regular home examinations are also possible. Attention to your entire body. Look between your toes and under your nails, as well as in the hair .
Heartburn or Trouble Drinking
There are many ways to get cancer: in your throat, stomach (pharynx), mouth, stomach and esophagus. You may feel like you are going to choke or gag when you drink or eat. This can cause indigestion, or a feeling that something is stuck to your throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Additional Symptoms To Watch Out For
- Pain. Pain that persists? Seek medical attention immediately.
- Mouth changes. Be on the lookout for red or white patches that won't improve. Enduring sores may be a sign of oral cancer.
- A swollen upper body or face. Tumors may press down on your big vein, which carries blood from the head and arms up to your heart. You may notice puffiness in your face, neck and arms.