Did you know that cancer is the second leading cause of death in women? In fact, one out of every four women will develop some form of cancer in her lifetime. While we can’t prevent cancer from happening altogether, we can be aware of the early warning signs and get treatment as soon as possible. Here are 15 early warning signs of cancer that all women should be aware of!
1. Coughing:
A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time could be a sign of lung cancer. If you’re a smoker, this is an especially important sign to pay attention to.
2. Shortness of breath:
This can also be a symptom of lung cancer, as well as other types of cancer such as ovarian and breast cancer.
3. Chest pain:
This is another symptom of lung cancer, but it can also be a sign of breast cancer. If you have any kind of chest pain, it’s important to get it checked out by a doctor.
4. Breasts changes:
Changes in the breasts are often one of the first warning signs of breast cancer. This can include a lump or mass in the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breasts, nipple discharge, or changes in the appearance of the skin on the breasts.
5. Weight loss:
Unexplained weight loss is often one of the first noticeable symptoms of cancer. If you’re losing weight without trying, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
6. Fatigue:
Cancer can cause fatigue that is different from the kind of fatigue you feel after a long day or week. If you’re constantly tired and it’s hard to get your energy back, it could be a sign of cancer.
7. Fever:
A fever that doesn’t go away could be a sign of leukemia or lymphoma. If you have a fever that lasts more than a few days, it’s important to see your doctor.
8. Anemia:
Anemia is when there are not enough red blood cells in the body. This can be a sign of many different types of cancer, such as ovarian, stomach, and colon cancer.
9. Pain:
Cancer pain is often described as a deep ache that doesn’t go away. It can be caused by the tumor pressing on nerves or bones. If you have pain that doesn’t go away, it’s important to see your doctor.
10. Constipation:
This can be a sign of colon cancer. If you’re having trouble going to the bathroom or you notice a change in your bowel habits, it’s important to see your doctor.
11. Diarrhea:
Like constipation, this can also be a sign of colon cancer. If you have diarrhea that lasts more than a few days, it’s important to see your doctor.
12. Abnormal bleeding:
This can be a sign of many different types of cancer, such as cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancer. If you’re experiencing abnormal bleeding, it’s important to see your doctor.
13. Skin changes:
Changes in the skin can be a sign of skin cancer. This can include new or changing moles, dark spots, or patches of skin that are red, dry, or flaky. If you notice any changes in your skin, it’s important to see your doctor.
14. Change in Urination:
If you notice a change in your bathroom habits, it could be an early warning sign of cancer. This includes changes in how often you go, how much you go, or the appearance of your urine. If you notice any changes, be sure to contact your doctor right away.
15. Heartburn:
Heartburn is a common symptom of many different conditions, but it can also be an early warning sign of esophageal cancer. If you’re experiencing heartburn more than twice a week, it’s time to see a doctor.
These are just a few of the early warning signs of cancer. It’s important to remember that not all of these symptoms will be caused by cancer. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor so they can rule out cancer or catch it early. The sooner cancer is caught, the better the chances are for treatment and survival. Do not ignore these warning signs!
