You might not know it, but you could be living with cancer without even realizing it. Symptoms are often vague, and many people don’t check for them. This is why it’s essential to know the warning signs of cancer and act on them as soon as possible. The American Cancer Society pegs the number of new cases in the U.S. each year at approximately 3,000, meaning it is important we all look after our health. More importantly, if you ignore those signs, they can progress to more severe stages of the disease. Read below about five common cancer warning signs.
Unexplained Weight loss
Unexplained weight loss is a common sign of cancer. And while it’s not always indicative of cancer, it needs to be checked out. If left untreated, the disease will progress, and weight loss will increase. Weight loss can occur because many cancers cause an increased appetite or poor absorption of nutrients in the body. This is because the disease disrupts the digestive system or causes inflammation that prevents food from being digested properly. If you notice unexplained weight loss, contact your doctor immediately so they can recommend treatment options for you to start right away.
Fatigue
The most common warning sign of cancer is fatigue. Cancer takes a lot out of you, and fatigue might be the first thing you notice. This is because your body is working overtime to fight against cancer. So, if you’re feeling tired all the time, that could mean something more severe than just being too lazy to get out of bed or take a break from work.
Fever
Fever is a symptom that other symptoms can accompany. The fever might last 3-7 days, and it’s essential to notice when you have a fever because it could signal an infection or another condition. A fever that lasts longer than three days is called a low-grade fever, which may signal a more severe illness like pneumonia or meningitis. A high-grade fever (temperature above 102 degrees Fahrenheit) signals more of an emergency and will require immediate medical attention.
Pain
Pain is a prevalent symptom of cancer. For example, if you have a sore lump or growth that has been there for a while, it’s essential to get medical attention. If the growth becomes red and inflamed, it could be cancerous. In some cases, the growth will start to ulcerate. That’s when you know you should go see a professional right away. Your body might also send other warning signs that something may not be right. The pain can be intense and range from mild to intense, depending on the severity of the condition. Some people report feeling constant pressure in their abdomen, while others feel pain in their back or urinary tract. If you have a specific pain you want to investigate, you can always use one of the global 1.8 billion websites operating in order to find more information on your pain.
Skin Changes
Skin changes are among the most common warning signs of cancer. If you notice any new moles, freckles, or birthmarks on your skin that don’t go away after a few months, it’s essential to go for a check-up.
Another skin change you should be aware of is persistent itching or scaling with no apparent cause. Sometimes this can be due to eczema or psoriasis, but if this persists for more than six weeks, it could also indicate cancer. You might notice that your nails are thickened or discolored, too; these are also signs of cancer.
Put Your Health First
The absolute best advice you can get is always to consider your health. The earlier you catch any warning signs, the better. Additionally, if you’re under 40 and don’t have a will, consider making one. You are never too young to start investing in your health and future.
