
Specific Cancers Symptoms and Signs
Unexplained weight loss or fever
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As with the general symptoms and signs,
the following may not indicate that
cancer is present, but if you experience
these, should be brought to a doctor’s
attention.
1. Sores that don’t heal
Skin cancers may bleed and resemble
sores that don’t heal. A persistent sore
in the mouth could be an oral cancer and
should be dealt with promptly,
especially in patients who smoke or
drink alcohol. Sores on the penis or
vagina may either be signs of infection
or an early cancer, and shouldn’t be
overlooked.
2. A lump in breast or other parts of
the body
Many cancers can be felt through the
skin, particularly in the breast,
testicle, lymph nodes and the soft
tissues of the body. A lump or
thickening may be an early or late sign
of cancer, and should be reported to a
doctor, especially if you’ve just
discovered it or noticed it has grown in
size. You may be feeling a lump that is
an early cancer that could be treated
successfully.
3. Unusual bleeding
This can occur in early or advanced
cancer. Blood in the phlegm may be a
sign of lung cancer. Blood in the stool
(or a dark or black stool) could be a
sign of colon or rectal cancer. Cancer
of the cervix or the endometrium (lining
of the uterus) can cause vaginal
bleeding. Blood in the urine is a sign
of possible bladder or kidney cancer. A
bloody discharge from the nipple may be
a sign of breast cancer.
4. Change in bowel habits or bladder
function
Chronic constipation, diarrhea or a
change in the size of the stool may
indicate colon cancer. Pain with
urination, blood in the urine or a
change in bladder function (such as more
frequent or less frequent urination) can
be related to bladder or prostate
cancer. Any changes in bladder or bowel
function should be reported to a doctor.
5. Recent change in a wart or mole
Any change in color or shape, loss of
definite borders or an increase in size
should be reported to your doctor
without delay. The skin lesion may be a
melanoma which, if diagnosed early, can
be treated successfully
6. Indigestion or difficulty in
swallowing
While they commonly have other causes,
these symptoms may indicate cancer of
the oesophagus, stomach or pharynx
(throat).
7. Nagging cough or hoarseness
A persistent cough may be a sign of lung
cancer. Hoarseness can be a sign of
cancer of larynx (voice box) or thyroid.
8. Unexplained weight loss or fever
Most people with cancer will lose weight
during some period of their illness. An
unexplained weight loss of about 5 kg
may be the first sign of cancer,
particularly cancers of the pancreas,
stomach, oesophagus or lung.
Fever is common with cancer, but is more
often seen in advanced stages of the
disease. Almost all patients with cancer
will have fever at some time,
particularly if the cancer or its
treatment affects the immune system and
reduces resistance to infection.
You should undergo health screenings yearly if you belong to two or more of these categories :-
1. Overweight; high BMI