Cancer Symptoms
Cancer….the words no one wants to hear. The body makes new cells all the time, but with cancer, something goes wrong. In the early stages of cancer, there may be no symptoms, but usually with enough time, it will be discovered. Malignant tumors tend to grow at a faster rate than benign tumors, and can cause pain or interfere with the normal function of the affected body organ or system.
There are signs and symptoms of cancer that should not be over looked, as early detection increases your treatment’s success rate. CAUTION is the word that the American Cancer Society wants everyone to think about when assessing abnormal signs and symptoms:
C hange from your normal bowel or bladder habits.
A sore that does not heal.
U nusual bleeding or discharge.
T hickening or lump anywhere in the body.
I ndigestion or difficulty swallowing.
O bvious change in the color, size, shape or thickness of mouth sores, warts or moles.
N aging cough or hoarseness.
Additional symptoms that should be evaluated include unexplained weight loss or decreased appetite, persistent headaches, fatigue, nausea or vomiting. Chronic pain, low-grade fevers and reoccurring infections should all be evaluated by a physician. If these abnormal symptoms are not caused by another condition, but persist longer than two weeks; contact a physician for further evaluation. Cancer can be treated, so make sure to seek professional help when symptoms develop.
