Millions of people die every year due to cancer. It is very important to diagnose cancer, which is one of the most common diseases in the world, in advance. There are more than 200 types of cancer. “Knowing the symptoms of some of the most common cancers can be lifesaving,” Dr Rebecca Leon told Sun On Sunday Health. Noticing changes or signs early that something might be wrong means you can seek life-saving medical attention later on.” Dr Leon advises paying attention to unexplained weight loss, fatigue and general aches and pains, as well as family history that can increase risk as vague symptoms. .
BREAST CANCER
Once a month, check your chest and armpit for a hard, non-moving lump the size of a pea or larger. Look for changes in size, feel, or appearance, including the nipple area where the discharge may be. Shrinking, pitting or redness of the skin, and ongoing pain are also signs of breast cancer.
PROSTATE CANCER
The most common symptoms are getting up to pee in the middle of the night, a weak stream of urine, urinating more often, or an inability to empty your bladder. Blood in your sperm or urine and erectile dysfunction are also signs of prostate cancer.
LUNG CANCER
Look for a persistent cough that lasts for three weeks or more, recurrent chest infections with dry or phlegm, hoarseness or wheezing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain. Almost 80 percent of cases are preventable, because three-quarters are caused by smoking. Passive smokers are also at risk for lung cancer.
BOTTOM CANCER
It is most common in people over the age of 75, but can also affect people at a much younger age. Watch for abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, going to the toilet more often, and blood in your stool.
SKIN CANCER
Skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer, but 87 percent are preventable. If a mole appears larger than 6mm, have it checked. Note for new lesions or blemishes, changes in size or feel (tingling or painful?), color changes (dark or light?), or blistering, itching, or bleeding.
TESTES CANCER
Examine your testicles regularly, looking for thickening or lumps, swelling, redness, pain. Testicular cancer is most common in men between the ages of 30 and 34, but controlling symptoms is vital at any age.
ORAL CANCER
Symptoms include spotting blood between your periods, abnormal smelling vaginal discharge, painful intercourse, and bleeding after intercourse. Bleeding in postmenopausal women is also a symptom.
Ovarian cancer
The main symptoms are abdominal bloating, a feeling of fullness after eating, urinary or intestinal changes, and a family history of the disease. There are about 7,500 new cases diagnosed each year, making ovarian cancer one of the most common cancers.