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World Cancer Day: If cancer is detected early, the chances of curing it are considerably higher.
In the first month from February 4 to March 8, the focus will be on women and the screening will prioritise breast and cervical cancer. (Pixabay)
CCancer, a disease prevalent in various forms across demographics, is a disorder with dire consequences and potentially complicated treatment. However, if detected early, the chances of curing it become considerably higher. Therefore, it is important to know the different ways in which cancer symptoms manifest so that medical attention can be sought accordingly. Dr Anil D’Cruz, Director Oncology and Sr Consultant Head & Neck Oncology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai shares a few such symptoms that you should be aware of:
- Ulcers, growth or discolouration in the mouth:What are often dismissed or overlooked as temporary problems owing to acidity or the like, abnormalities in the mouth including sudden white or red colouration in the mouth could be symptomatic of oral cancer. Sudden growths too could be early indicators of the same – whether they be in the lips, tongue or inside of the mouth.
- Abnormalities in the breast:Lumps in the breast or abnormal discharge from the nipples often go undetected – and even if they are, dismissed without thought about what they could potentially mean: breast cancer, the most common cancer in women. Not only are regular self-checks necessary, bringing abnormalities – if detected – to the attention of a doctor is important too.
- Abnormal bleeding from any orifice in the bodyNo bleeding from any orifice in the body is normal, the only exception being menstruation for women. And therefore, any bleeding – be it from the nose, mouth, ears, or if blood is found in urine or stool – is detected, it should not be taken lightly, as it could be a symptom of cancer, the type of which depends on the orifice and other factors.
- New growth or development of patches on the skinAttention should be given to one’s skin to check if unusual bleeding, scaling, sores or moles suddenly occur on it. Such issues may be more than just dermatological or cosmetic, and could be symptomatic of skin or other cancers. And thus, medical examination is important to affirm or rule out any potential complications.
- Significant weight loss, excessive fatigue or loss appetiteA crucial distinction between tiredness/exhaustion from fatigue is that rest can significantly lessen the former. Therefore, if sleep or rest do not seem to lessen an overarching feeling of fatigue, it could be a sign of cancer. Similarly, abnormal loss of weight or appetite also should never be overlooked, as it could mean a variety of cancers including renal, gastrointestinal tract, hematologic, colorectal, and lung cancers. Although modern life has us accustomed to such conditions, consulting with a doctor and taking relevant tests are important.
- Persistent cough along with blood in the sputum:Cough, when persistent, can irritate the throat and induce spitting. When suffering persistent cough, one should immediately look for medical attention if blood is found in the sputum, as it could be more than just a case of cough induced due to a fever, cold, pollution, or habits like smoking, and could potentially indicate lung cancer.
- Warning Signs of Colon Cancer: Abnormal Changes in Bathroom Habits:If the frequency of urination or stool discharge suddenly spikes, or persistent diarrhea or constipation occurs, it shouldn’t be ignored. Similarly, unexplained pain, or blood in one’s stool or urine should immediately be checked by a doctor. Such abnormalities may all be signs of prostate, bladder cancer or rectal cancer.
