Whenever we experience some health problem our body starts sending warning signs and it’s crucial that we pay attention to these signs and do something to prevent escalation of the condition. The same goes for cancer, even more so, because cancer can have deadly consequences.
A Lump Beneath the Skin
You should know that lumps in breast tissue are often discovered by those who regularly perform self-exams. Regularly performing self-exams and knowing what to look for can help you recognize when something has changed. The medical experts say that self-exams can be performed on other parts of the body as well, and can allow you to discover lumps before they develop into larger tumors. This is why you should always check your body for unusual lumps, and see your doctor if you notice anything.
Itchy Skin
Itchy skin is also a warning sign of cancer, because the human body treats cancer as a bacterium. The immune system fights it by using white blood cells to attempt to destroy it. How this works – well, this process increases blood flow in the area of cancerous growth, causing the area to feel warm, appear red, change color, feel tight or itch.
Wounds That Don’t Heal
You should be very careful, and if you notice that a cut or another skin injury is taking a long time to heal, it could be a sign that cancer is growing in your body. This actually means that your immune system has to prioritize, and the cancer takes priority. A wound isn’t as important so it may take the body longer to heal that injury. See your doctor immediately.
Bumps on the Mouth or Tongue
If you notice that you have bumps that appear inside the mouth, gums or throat, especially if they are white in color, you should see your doctor immediately.
Trouble Swallowing or Loss of Appetite
You should be very careful and if you notice that your digestive process is disrupted, you have trouble swallowing, or you suffer from indigestion or experience a loss of appetite, you should see your doctor immediately. These problems will affect the body’s ability to get nutrients from the food that you eat.
Changes in Bowel Movements
Anything that appears out of the ordinary regarding bowel movements and lasts more than two days could be cause for concern. Finding blood in your stools could be a sign of colon cancer, and it should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Changes in Urination
Don’t ignore this warning sign. You should know that the bladder function should be fairly regular when you are healthy. But, if you notice any changes in the strength of urine flow, color, smell, presence of foam or blood – you should see your doctor immediately.
Bleeding
You should be very careful and if you notice bleeding that is unexplained – you should see your doctor. Blood from the uterus, nipple or in any bodily excretions can be a major sign of a problem.
Changes in Voice
Cancer of the larynx can cause the pitch and tone of your voice to change. If you notice your voice changing or someone else mentions it, make an appointment with a health care professional.
Constant Coughing
These types of cancers can cause constant coughing: cancer of the lungs, esophagus, throat and even stomach cancer. If you’ve had a persistent cough that is painful, or you find yourself coughing up blood, check in with a doctor. Coughing that lasts longer than 1-2 weeks may be much more than a cold.
