Video Source: Body Hub
Cancer can result in a diverse range of symptoms, depending on how much it has spread, where it is located, and how close it is to organs and tissue.
The thing about cancer is that it can be quite sneaky, creeping up slowly and silently without us knowing until it’s too late.
Cancer symptoms can be dangerously deceptive.
Some seem minor and typical, like a persistent backache, only to find out that it’s a sign of something fatal.
Too often, these symptoms aren’t taken seriously, not until the disease has progressed.
So, how can one tell apart an ordinary pain from an ache that needs to be reported to the doctor?
Here are eight important signs, albeit most just go overlooked, that you may have cancer.
The most common being changes to your skin, but we’ll focus more on that in a sec.
1. Unexplained Back Pain
Pain is one of the ways the body responds to signal a problem. Unexplained and stubborn backaches are a clear sign of bone, liver, and a variety of dangerous cancers. If the pain lasts over a month, make sure to have it checked.
2. Sudden changes in nails
Changes in color or form of the nails are a huge sign of lung cancer. It may be hard to notice them, but it pays to examine your nails now and then and record any strange changes for future medical reference.
3. Length fevers and frequent infections
Fever is often the body’s first natural reaction to an illness or infection. If you noticed that your fever won’t go away even after medication and there’s no other possible cause, then this is a sign to be extra cautious. It could mean that you have blood-related cancer like leukemia.
4. Persistent cough, shortness of breath and wheezing
Pesky, stubborn cough, and conditions like bronchitis, can indicate lung tumors and leukemia. If you don’t have any of the usual symptoms of cold and flu, get yourself checked by a doctor. Especially for coughs that come with blood, it’s a red flag for lung cancer.
5. Mouth sores
Mouth sores that won’t go away can signify oral cancer. Mouth cancers can occur on hums, lips, tongue, and other oral surfaces. White or red patches can develop into oral cancer. Thus, it’s important to pay particular attention to long-lasting lesions, especially if you’re a heavy drinker or smoker. If you notice any of those signs, don’t hesitate to see your dentist or doctor.
6. Weakness or fatigue
Being tired from a busy day at school or work is normal. However, if you’re experiencing fatigue for prolonged periods despite being healthy, it’s surely a cause for concern. Some cancers cytokines, which are proteins that can cause fatigue.
7. Unintended weight loss
One of the causes of unexpected weight loss is an overactive thyroid. But sometimes, it could be something far more dangerous, like cancer. Stomach, lung, or pancreatic cancer also manifests through sudden, unintended weight loss. Talk to your doctor before it’s too late.
8. Skin changes and lumps
We all know that lumps in the chest area may mean breast cancer. Unbeknown to some, bumps and growths can also appear in lymph nodes, testicles, and other soft tissues. Any of these could signify cancer. Thus, it’s important to be familiar with your body and take note of any abnormal changes.
