This is October, the month that is dedicated to Breast Cancer awareness globally. As a woman, we should not concentrate only on Breast Cancer alone but also on others as early detection helps in averting danger.
From menstrual cycles to menopause, female bodies go through a lot. And it’s normal to feel different sometimes. But it’s a good idea to get any new symptoms checked out by your doctor. Some changes could be signs of cancer.
Some of the most common cancers women get include:
Keep in mind that many possible cancer symptoms can also be caused by other health conditions. And for cancers that affect both men and women, symptoms tend to be the same for both genders. But it’s important to tell your doctor if you notice certain warning signs.
Breast or Nipple Changes
A lump doesn’t mean you have breast cancer. But get a new one checked out, especially if it sticks around for longer than a couple of weeks.
Other symptoms to watch out for include:
- A swollen breast (with or without a lump)
- Lump in your armpit or collarbone
- Nipple discharge, either bloody or clear
- Nipples that point inward
- Skin that looks like an orange peel (dimpling)
- Breast or nipple pain
- Red, itchy, or thick nipple or breast skin
Some experts think it’s a good idea to check your breasts and underarms once a month. Others disagree. Your doctor can help you decide if that’s right for you. They’ll also tell you how often you need a mammogram. That’s an X-ray that looks for changes in your breast tissue.
Bowel Changes
Bowel changes can be a sign of colorectal cancer. That affects your rectum and colon. It can look like hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Women could confuse some colorectal cancer symptoms with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or their periods.
Tell your doctor if your poop habits change for more than a few days or if you have other symptoms like:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Thin, dark, or bloody poop
- Belly pain or cramps
- Weakness and tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
Your doctor can check for colorectal cancer before you have symptoms. There are different tests, but one way is to look inside your colon with a long, flexible tube. That’s called a colonoscopy. You may need one regularly, especially if you’re over 45 or have certain conditions like ulcerative colitis. Your doctor can help you decide what’s best.
You may also poop more or less than usual l if you have a tumor on or near your bowels. That can happen if you have cancer in your pelvis or vagina.
Belly, Pelvic, or Back Pain
Pain in your torso is common with conditions like endometriosis. It can also be cramping from your menstrual cycle. But long-lasting aches or pressure in your belly, pelvis, or back can be a sign of several kinds of cancer. That includes colorectal, ovarian, and endometrial cancers.
You may also get lower back pain if you have a tumor on your spine or cancer that has spread from somewhere else. It’s rare, but upper belly pain that spreads to your back and comes with unexplained weight loss may be a sign of pancreatic cancer.
Bloating
It’s normal to feel puffy after a big meal or before your period. But tell your doctor if you’re visibly bloated every day for a few weeks. It could be a sign of ovarian or another kind of cancer.
Other symptoms that could be a sign of either a urinary tract infection or cancer:
- A feeling of pressure on your bladder
- Pain or burning when you pee
- Peeing often
- A sudden urge to pee
- Problems emptying your bladder
Weight Loss Without Trying
You can lower your chances of cancer if you maintain a normal weight. But tell your doctor if you drop 10 pounds or more without dieting. Cancer can cause you to shed weight.
Non-Period Bleeding or Discharge
Tell your doctor if you’re spotting between your periods or have a bloody, smelly discharge. These things are usually caused by an infection. But sometimes they’re a sign of cervical, vaginal, or endometrial cancer.
If you’ve gone through menopause, see your doctor right away if you’re bleeding. That’s never normal.
Fatigue
A busy schedule can sap your energy. You should feel better after a good night’s sleep. If you don’t, tell your doctor. Serious tiredness that doesn’t go away can be a sign of cancer.
Loss of Appetite
Tumors in or near your digestive tract can press on your stomach. You may find it hard to eat because you feel full. Cancer can also send out hormones that interfere with your hunger signals.
Night Sweats or Fever
If you’re going through menopause, you may sometimes wake up with damp sheets. But intense night sweats that happen often could also be a sign of leukemia or lymphoma. These blood cancers may also give you a fever.
- Better. Lasting sores could be signs of oral cancer.
- Swollen face or upper body parts. Tumors can press on the big vein that carries blood from your head and arms to your heart. Your face, neck, arms, or chest may get puffy.
Comments are closed.