Cancer is a severe disease that often grows silently, with symptoms appearing only in advanced stages. However, the body can show early alert signs that, if recognized early, can lead to earlier detection and better treatment outcomes.
Here are five early signs of canc.er growth that require medical attention.
1. Unexpected weight loss
A sudden, unpredicted weight loss of 10 pounds or more without changes in diet or exercise could be an early sign of can.cer. This happens because can.cer cells ru:in the body’s metabolism, causing the body to burn more energy than usual.
Possible cancers associated with unexplained weight loss:
- Stomach, pancreas, or liver can.cer (affects digestion and metabolism)
- Lung or esophageal can.cer (which interferes with swallowing and appetite)
- Bl00d can.cers (leukemia, lymphoma) (which affect metabolism and immune function)
2. Constant fatigue and weakness
Feeling constantly tired out even after getting enough rest could be a war.ning sign of can.cer. Unlike normal fatigue, can.cer-related fatigue is constant, serious, and doesn’t enhance with sleep or rest.
Possible can.cers related to fatigue:
- Leukemia and lymphoma (affecting blood cell production and oxygen delivery)
- Colon or stomach cancer (causing slow internal bleeding and leading to anemia)
- Liver can.cer (affecting detoxification and metabolism)
3. Changes in the skin
The skin can show early caution signs of internal can.cer. Any mole, lump, or skin discoloration that appears or changes over time should be examined.
Possible skin changes to watch out for:
- Unusual moles that are awry, have uneven borders, or change in color and size (probable signs of melanoma)
- Constantsores that do not heal (may imply skin can.cer)
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) (related to liver or pancreatic can.cer)
- Dark spots or excessive itching (may be related to cancer of internal organs)
4. Persistent pain that doesn’t depart
Chronic pain without an obvious cause can be an early signal of cancer. Cancer-related pain doesn’t improve with rest or medication and may gradually worsen over time.
Possible cancers related to persistent pain:
- Bone can.cer (causing deep bone pain or fractures)
- Brain tumors (causing persistent headaches, nausea, and vision problems)
- Ovarian or colorectal can.cer (causing pelvic or abdominal pain)
- Lung can.cer (causing chest pain and discomfort)
If pain continues for weeks without improvement or is along with other symptoms, meet a doctor.
5. Unusual lumps or swelling
The appearance of a lump, swelling, or thickening of tissue anywhere in the body should never be ignored. Cancerous lumps are usually hard, painless, and grow over time.
Possible can.cers related to lumps and swelling:
- Breast can.cer (lump in the breast or armpit)
- Testicular can.cer (lump in the testicle)
- Throat or thyroid can.cer (lump in the neck)
- Lymphoma (swollen lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck)
Conclusion
Early detection is essential to successful can.cer treatment. If you deal with unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, skin changes, chronic pain, or unusual lumps, seek medical attention as soon as possible.