The practice of routine screening for cancer goes a long way in successful diagnosis. In numerous cases, early diagnosis has led to a higher rate of survival. Irrespective of whether a person is genetically predisposed to cancer, watching out for the early signs and symptoms is generally recommended in order to get a timely diagnosis. It is always recommended to consult a physician if any of these early signs of cancer are evidently noticeable.
Unusual lumps
When a person has a common cold, lymph nodes often tend to be swollen. The swollen lymph nodes will appear as lumps on the skin. However, if these lumps persist even after the cold is cured, it can be a cause for concern. Moreover, if a new lump or mass forms and doesn’t go away for a long time, it might be time for a routine screening.
Constant fatigue
There are several underlying health conditions that can cause fatigue. Not all of these are related to cancer. However, cancer spreads through the cells of the body by using nutrients for growth and advancement. These are essential nutrients that are required by the body to sustain energy levels. Due to the depletion of nutrients, cancer can cause extreme fatigue.
Recurring fever
Fever is a common symptom of flu and viral infection. It often clears up on its own. But recurring fever with certain characteristics can be one of the early signs of cancer. If cancer is the cause for the fever, it will usually occur at night without any bacterial or viral infection. The individual will also experience night sweats along with a fever.
Chronic pain
There are a number of health conditions that cause chronic pain. Most of them are not associated with cancer. However, persistent and chronic pain can be an early warning sign, and it should be examined adequately by a health expert. As a symptom of cancer, pain can occur due to various reasons. This includes pain due to the chemicals released by the cancerous cells, metastasis or spread of cancer, and a lump or tumor pushing against any of the organs of the body.
Changes in skin texture
One of the most evident early signs of cancer is changes to the skin. In some cases, the skin may turn yellow, which is similar to what happens in the case of jaundice. In other cases, changes in a person’s pre-existing moles or the formation of new moles can also be a cause of concern. A doctor should be consulted if the moles are asymmetrical, have jagged edges or irregular borders, have changes in color, or have grown in size.
Dysfunctional bowel movements
Another early sign of cancer is irregular bowel movements. Prostate, bladder, or colon cancer are often preceded by several symptoms that disrupt normal bowel function. Common problems include persistent constipation and regular diarrhea. In some cases, there can be presence of black or red blood in the stool. In others, a person may also experience loss of bladder control, frequent urination, or even the presence of blood in the urine.
