Six common symptoms of cancer

When cells in your body start to divide uncontrollably and start to spread to other parts, it is a major cause of concern.

Cancer is one of the most feared illnesses and for good reason. According to World Health Organization (WHO) cancer is the second leading cause of death globally.

When you or someone you know gets diagnosed with cancer, life begins to revolve around treatments and medication.

As usual, people are always advised to go for screening in order to detect when something is wrong. The earlier the detection, the better and more effective recovery becomes.

There are many different types of cancers that affect both men and women. Also, getting cancer is not something that is limited to a certain age group or race.

As people become more aware of the issues surrounding different types of cancer, the sense of urgency to be keen on symptoms has increased.

Below are some of the symptoms that could be an indicator of cancer. This however is not written in stone and one should seek medical advice for a thorough examination.

i. Sudden weight loss 

People lose weight for various reasons. If someone is dieting, experiencing high levels of stress or simply not eating enough, it’s only natural to lose a certain amount of weight. However, if the weight loss happens abruptly and for no particular reason, it’s a sign that something is wrong. Usually, cancers cause people to lose weight unintentionally and suddenly. This is generally one of the major signs of cancer.

ii. Lumps

Feeling lumps on different parts of the body is also another sign of cancer. People who have been diagnosed with different types of cancer such as breast cancer, experience hard and uncomfortable lumps in their breast. Other lumps can appear on the penis, testicles, legs or other parts of the body which could indicate the formation of a tumour. The lumps are generally painless, but they grow over time and become uncomfortable.

iii. Unusual discharge

Having strange discharge is also another common sign of cancer. When the cancerous cells begin to spread and tumours start to grow, they cause these types of changes. Usually, people who have certain types of cancer have bloody discharge and is sometimes characterized with a foul odour. The discharge can also leak from the breasts and vagina in women and from the penis in men depending on what type of cancer is present in the body.

iv. Bloating and constipation

Changes in digestive patterns is also another common sign of cancer. It’s normal to experience occasional bloating and constipation from time to time. The difference with this is that the constipation and bloating is constant. This happens because as the tumour grows, it begins to interfere with the normal digestive functions. If you start to notice that you are constantly bloated, ensure that you get examined as soon as possible. This could be a big sign of cancer.

v. Constant fatigue

After a busy day, we are all bound to feel tired. Vigorous activities can cause anyone to feel exhausted from. However, if you notice that you are constantly fatigued even after getting rest, it could be a sign of cancer. If you also notice that you can no longer comfortably do the same activities you are used to doing without feeling exhausted, something could be wrong. Ensure that you look out for other signs along with the constant fatigue and urgently contact your doctor.

vi. Persistent cough

This could also be an indicator of cancer. It’s not normal to have a cough that hasn’t responded to treatment months on. Certain types of cancer such as that of the lungs can even cause the cough to get worse as time goes by instead of showing signs of improvement. Also, one is likely to experience chest pains, a raspy voice, excess phlegm and breathlessness along with this sign. It’s best to go for screening to be sure all is well.

Remember that these symptoms are not confined to cancer. Always consult a doctor whenever you notice something that is out of the usual.