Women’s bodies undergo a lot of changes, adolescence, maturity, pregnancy, menopause or even the monthly period can cause changes on your body. Some will be more noticeable than other and many of you are used to it and wait it out in most cases. However, sometimes changes that seem normal can be cancer symptoms women should be ignoring. It is important for woman of all ages to observe their body and seek advice when something draws concern.
Here is what you should keep an eye on:
- Bleeding Between Periods
Bleeding which is not part of your usual menstrual cycle can have many causes, but your doctor will want to rule out endometrial cancer. Bleeding after menopause is never normal and should be checked right away.
- Breast changes
Most breast lumps are not cancer, but you should always check them and get informed if you have and of the following: skin dimpling or puckering, nipples that turn inward, nipple discharge and redness or scaling of your nipple or breast skin.
- Swelling
If swelling or blotting does not get better with time, or if it is accompanied by weight loss, seek medical advice.
- Skin Changes
A change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other spot is a common sign of skin cancer. Get it checked.
- Blood in your Urine or Stool
Bloody urine is usually the first sign of cancer of the bladder or kidneys, and bloody stool, often from hemorrhoids, can also be a symptom of colon cancer.
- Changes in Lymph Nodes
The small bean-shaped glands around the body are sometimes infected by common infections and swell. Some cancers though, including leukemia and lymphoma, can also cause lymph nodes to swell.
It’s a good idea to see your doctor if you have a lump or swelling anywhere in your body that lasts for a month or more.
- Swallowing Problems
Occasional swallowing problems are nothing to worry about, but when it happens often, with vomiting or weight loss, you have to check your throat and/or stomach.
- Weight Loss
Losing 10 pounds or more without a change in your diet or exercise habits could signal a problem.
- Stomach-ache
Stomachache or heartburn can be caused by too much food, alcohol, or stress (or their combination). Changing your diet for a week or two may ease these symptoms, but when this does not help, see your doctor to check for cancer of the stomach, throat, or ovaries.
- Changes in the mouth
Smokers should watch for white or bright-red patches inside the mouth or on the lips because they can mean oral cancer.
- Fever
A persistent fever which cannot be explained could mean leukemia or another blood cancer.
- Fatigue
It is common for women to feel tired because they lead hectic lives, but extreme tiredness that won’t go away isn’t normal. In combination with bloody stools it can be cancer.
- Persistent Cough
Most coughs soon go away on their own, but if you smoke, are short of breath or cough up blood, go to the doctor. A cough is the most common symptom of lung cancer.
- Belly Pain and Depression
A rare combination of belly pain and depression can be a sign of pancreatic cancer.
15 . Pain
Usually cancer doesn’t cause pain, but an ongoing pain can signal bone, brain, or other type of cancer.
