Cancer is a horrible illness that has affected millions of people around the world. The most ignored cancer signs are often the easiest to spot. These warning signs, which are sometimes referred to as “the ABCDs,” can be detected by anyone who pays attention.
If you notice anything new in your body that doesn’t match up with what’s normal for you, it could signify cancer. Read on for more information about the 5 overlooked warning signs.
Weight loss and appetite loss
Cancer can cause a variety of changes to your appetite. Some people lose their appetites completely, while others will eat more than usual. Either way, if you are losing weight without trying, make an appointment with your doctor. They can run tests to determine why exactly this is happening.
Blood in urine or stool
Blood in the urine or stool is an obvious yet ignored cancer sign. Blood in either of these could mean bladder cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer, or another form of intestinal cancer. If you realize there is blood in your stool or urine for more than a day or two, it’s best to see your doctor immediately.
Persistent Cough
When cancer spreads to the lungs, symptoms can include a new cough that doesn’t disappear after two weeks. Cancers of the respiratory system are an example of this ignored cancer sign, but lung cancer isn’t the only possible culprit. A cough accompanied by phlegm and even blood in the sputum could also signify tuberculosis or lung cancer.
Pain
Pain is an indication that something has gone wrong with your body. There’s no way you can ignore pain, but it’s often difficult to explain where the pain comes from—and sometimes doctors miss it in their diagnosis.
One of the most recognizable cancer signals is continuous and unexplained pain in one area of the body. According to the National Cancer Institute, pain can occur anywhere in the body and may be described as a sharp, dull, squeezing, or burning sensation. Pain can also be constant, or it can come and go.
Swollen Legs or Ankles
If you have swollen legs or ankles that persist for more than a week, it could point towards several cancers. For women, ovarian cancer is the most likely cause, but it could also be caused by uterine cancer or testicular cancer.
For men, lymphoma is a common cause of this symptom. Fortunately, swollen legs and ankles don’t typically indicate a potentially deadly form of cancer, so you should have nothing to worry about if other ignored cancer signs don’t accompany them.
Conclusion
Though it may be challenging to think about, the reality is that cancer can strike anyone at any time. You and your precious ones need to know what signs of this disease could mean so they can get a timely diagnosis before it becomes too late. These five warning signs should not go unnoticed. If you experience any of these revealing signs, kindly visit your doctor immediately.