Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and other parts of the world after heart disease. Early detection and treatment of cancer can have a positive impact on the patient’s prognosis. However, some of the signs of cancer can be difficult to identify as they may be subtle. Here are some of the most commonly ignored signs of cancer in both men and women, which should not be overlooked.
Bone Pain
Whether it’s a shooting pain or a dull aching sensation, any indication of bone pain could be a sign of bone cancer. You may also experience swelling or fractures, the American Cancer Society reports.
Body Rash
Rashes can be a symptom of various health conditions such as infections, allergic reactions, or even leukaemia, which is a type of blood cancer. According to Medical News Today, abnormal blood cells disrupt the production of platelets, which normally block and burst capillaries from leaking in the skin. As a result, those with leukaemia may see tiny red, purple, or brown spots called petechiae on the skin.
Eye Pain
Eye cancer may cause pain in or around the eyes, blurred vision, vision loss, and seeing shadows, or flashes of light, according to the NHS.
Frequent Headaches
We all get a headache here and there, but if you notice any unusual new patterns of headaches or growth in severity, the Mayo Clinic says this could be a sign of a brain tumour.
Heartburn
Frequent episodes of heartburn or a constant low-level feeling of pain in the chest after eating could be signs of oesophagal cancer or stomach cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Painful Periods
Many women reported unusually heavy or painful periods or bleeding between periods as the tip-off to endometrial cancer.
Nipple Changes
One of the most common changes women notice before a breast cancer diagnosis is a nipple that begins to appear flattened, inverted or turned sideways.
Sore Breasts
In women, breasts that appear red or purplish in colour or feel hot, swollen, or irritated can signal inflammatory breast cancer, according to the National Institute of Health.
Testicular Swelling
If you’re experiencing any usual changes of the testicles, such as swelling, then you should pay a visit to your doctor. According to Medical News Today, enlarged or swollen testicles can signal testicle cancer in men, which can be coupled with or without pain.
Difficulty Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing is most commonly associated with throat cancer, but could also be one of the first signs of lung cancer. A hoarse voice or feeling pressure on the throat could also be an early indicator of thyroid cancer.
Unexplained Weight Loss
If you’re shedding weight and haven’t made any changes to your diet or exercise plans, colon and other stomach cancer could be the culprit, according to Healthline.
Upset Stomach
We all have the occasional upset stomach, but severe cramping or abdominal pain may indicate colorectal cancer, the American Cancer Society reports.
Wheezing
According to Healthline, one of the first signs of lung cancer patients is wheezing, or the inability to catch your breath. Thyroid cancer could also lead to difficulty breathing.
Excess Gas or Bloating
Excessive gas or bloating could be a sign of digestive issues, and ovarian or colon cancer, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Bowel Problems
If you’re experiencing constipation, diarrhoea, and changes in your stool that last more than a couple of days, then you should talk to your doctor about colorectal cancer.
Difficulty Urinating
An early sign of prostate cancer is difficulty urinating or being unable to go despite having the urge. Many men also report having a hard time stopping the flow of urine.
Erection Problems
The Cancer Treatment Centers of America notes that, as prostate cancer progresses, a common sign in men is difficulty getting or sustaining an erection during sex.
Fatigue
Sleepiness could mean a number of things, like not getting your recommended seven to eight hours. But fatigue is slightly different and represents extreme tiredness or weakness. Many cancers can cause fatigue, such as leukaemia.
Fever
Leukemia causes bone marrow to produce abnormal white blood cells, impairing the body’s infection-fighting abilities. This can result in frequent high temperatures, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Fingernail Mark
A brown or black streak or dot under a fingernail could signal a type of melanoma called subungual melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer that occurs under the nails.
