12 Cancer Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Life is pretty uncertain! We never know what life has kept in reserve for us! But can we afford to sit idle keeping this theory in mind? We, being the pilots of our own lives, can choose to give our lives a proper direction! We can give our lives a desired shape if we really want that to happen! And timing is an important consideration in all our efforts. Action delayed is action denied. This will hold true in every aspect of our lives - financial, personal, professional and health. We seem to pay much attention in the first three spheres while we tend to pay the lowest degree of attention to our health. But we can work and fulfill the other aspects of our lives if our health allows us to do so. But we often ignore certain symptoms which our body presents from time to time. Sometimes these symptoms can disappear on their own while at other times; these symptoms may indicate something more serious - the nesting of cancer cells in our body!

Here are a few cancer symptoms which you cannot afford to ignore:

1. Unexpected Weight Loss: Many women will be delighted to lose weight without having to exercise or going for a strict diet, but this may turn out to be a symptom of cancer unless it is not caused by a hyperactive thyroid gland. Hence, an unexpected and an unintentional weight loss should not be neglected.
2. Bloating: Bloating is so common in women that we almost learn to live with it. But if the bloating continues for a longer time span, then it is something which should not be neglected. Watch out for other symptoms like pelvic pain, urinary problems, incontinence and a feeling of fullness even without having eaten much! These symptoms can denote ovarian cancer.
3. Breast Changes: Due to increase of breast cancer awareness, many women have now developed the habit of self examination. They normally look for lumps, but this is not the only symptom. A woman should watch out for redness and thickening of the breast skin as well. A persistent rash over a few weeks will need medical attention. Nipple discharge even if a woman is not breastfeeding may also indicate cancer of the mammary glands. Even men have some chances of getting affected with breast cancer. This seems to be unusual, but yes, it is true! Men should also watch out for similar symptoms and should get themselves checked if any of these symptoms make their appearance.
4. Unusual Bleeding: If you notice any in-between period bleeding or unusual bleeding, then you should not ignore it! Sadly, many premenopausal women tend to ignore this. It can be a symptom of uterine, endometrial or colorectal cancer. If blood appears in your urine or stools then it can be more than just hemorrhoids! It can denote the cancers of the colon, bladder or the kidney. Go for a medical checkup if bleeding occurs after coughing.
5. Changes in Skin: Watch out for skin changes like scaling, excess pigmentation, bleeding or new mole formation. These can be the symptoms of skin cancer.
6. Difficulty in Swallowing: Difficulty in swallowing food or discomfort after swallowing food, if continue for a few days, then the same should be brought under attention of a doctor. This may indicate esophageal cancer.
7. Changes Inside the Mouth: If you are a smoker or if you consume any form of tobacco, then you will need to check for any white spot on the tongue and the inside of the mouth. It can be a sign of oral cancer or leukoplakia.
8. Pain: The American Cancer Society claims that any persistent pain or ache in the body should be checked as a symptom of cancer, although all pains do not necessarily indicate cancer development.
9. Changes in the Lymph Nodes: If you observe an enlargement in the lymph nodes on the neck or in the armpits and if it persists for over a month, then you may need to get it checked. Suffering from any type of infection may lead to the changes in the lymph nodes, but if this is not the case, then you may need to worry a bit!
10. Fever and Cough: If you have a persistent fever, unexplainable in terms of influenza or any other infection, then it can be a sign of leukemia or lymphoma. An individual may experience fever if the cancer starts spreading from its original site. Similarly, cough may accompany flu and cold or fever, but if the cough remains persistent for over 3 weeks, then it should not be ignored.
11. Changes in Testicles: Testicular cancers are common in men who fall in the age group of 20 to 39. Regular self examination is necessary and any change in the usual appearance should not be ignored.
12. Fatigue: Fatigue may be a vague symptom but it can point towards leukemia or stomach cancer. In other types of cancer, fatigue and fever mostly set in after the disease has advanced. Fatigue can be due to stress or overwork. If adequate rest does not solve the problem, then you may need to check with your doctor.

These are some common symptoms of cancer, but a careful physical examination, a review of the medical history, findings of X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and biopsy may be needed for confirmation. Hence, you should get yourself checked with a physician before coming to a conclusion. Since symptoms mark the onset of any disease, so it is very important to understand the early signals to avoid future complications.