Some Cancer Symptoms That Women Should Get Serious About
by Lisa Anderson - February 14, 2010
Although women are more conscious about getting their health checkups regularly, they tend to overlook symptoms that could relate to cancer. And quite often, they tend to ignore or delay the checkups as well.
But we all know that early detection is one of the best cures for cancer. Then why not get aware of these warning signs. Just read on to know more.
Common Leading Cancers In Women
1. Breast Cancer
The precise causes of breast cancer remain unclear. It is most common cause of cancer in women, and also the second most common cause of death in women.
2. Lung cancer
Cigarette smoking remains the major cause of lung cancer, including passive smoking too.
3.Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer, attacking the neck of the womb, can take years to develop.
5. Colorectal cancer
Arising from the inner wall of the large intestine, the risk factors for this tumor are heredity, and colon polyps.
6. Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancers among women. Warning signs are weight gain, indigestion, nausea, and vaginal bleeding.
1. Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss
Most women get delighted on losing weight. But any unexplained and regular weight loss without any exercise; say around 8-10 pounds a month should not be ignored.
Similarly, gaining weight, which is so common these days, could point to ovarian cancer. Visit your doctor to run some tests on you.
2. Any Changes In Breast
A regular self-examining of breasts, to be on the lookout for lumps is not the only symptom pointing to breast cancer. Any rash, redness, and thickening of the skin that persists over weeks should also be of concern. Take a closeer look at the nipple for any changes or discharge.
3. Unusual Bleeding
Women often ignore any between-period bleeding. But if you have them regularly, means it’s time to visit your doctor. Any bleeding after menopause could be a symptom of endometrial cancer.
Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) is often mistaken by women as menstrual bleeding, and this could be a symptom of colorectal cancer.
4. Changes In Skin
Watch for changes in skin pigmentation, and also in moles, if any. Excessive scaling, new moles, sudden bleeding on your skin, are some symptoms that you should not ignore.
5. Changes In Mouth
If you are a smoker, be alert for any white patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue, as both can be imply precancerous condition, leading to oral cancer. Best is to refrain from smoking.
6. Having Difficulty In Swallowing
If you develop any difficulty while swallowing food, get it checked for it could be an early symptom of a GI cancer, such as in the esophagus.
7. Abdominal Pain And Indigestion
Any indigestion or abdominal pain for no clear reason needs a checkup. Women may feel depressed too. It could be an early symptom of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or throat.
There is a common misconception among women that that cancer cannot be cured. But this is not true at all. Seeking medical help at the right time has helped countless women keep cancer at bay.
Last edited by Kangna Agarwal on February 17, 2010 - 17:50 | Write to author: Lisa Anderson |
