Symptoms of cancer in men and women depend upon the type of cancer, location, and the region where cancer cells have spread.
For instance, breast cancer can result in a lump in the breast, whereas metastatic breast cancer indicates signs of extreme fatigue (if spread to lungs), pain (bones), or seizures (brain).
However, the American Cancer Society presents several warning signs and early symptoms of cancer in the body.
- Alteration in bladder or bowel habits
- Abnormal bleeding or discharge (such as a sore that oozes material and will not heal)
- A sore throat that does not heal
- Difficulty swallowing or chronic indigestion
- Thickening or lump in body parts like testicles or breasts
- Nagging hoarseness or cough
- An evident change in the colour, thickness, shape, and size of a mole or wart.
- Unexplained and sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, or fatigue
- Recurring infections
- Low-grade fevers (may or may not be persistent)
- A new and unusual kind of pain in parts of the body
When experiencing any of these common symptoms of cancer, it should prompt an individual to seek medical attention at the earliest.
Many cancers will indicate some of the above-mentioned general symptoms but have one or more symptoms that are more specific to the cancer type.
For instance, lung cancer has the general symptom of pain, with the pain being located in the chest.
Additionally, patients may experience unusual bleeding, especially when they cough. This type of cancer also results in extreme fatigue and shortness of breath.
As there are numerous types of cancer with several non-specific, and in some cases more specific signs, an ideal way to learn about symptoms is to research.
You can learn about common symptoms of cancer for a specific body part by tapping into online resources, such as this guide.
To gain a better understanding, we always suggest that you consult a medical healthcare professional whenever you suffer from one or more of the symptoms listed above.
Additionally, annual screening tests should also ensure quick detection of cancer, thereby improving your chances of recovery.