Cancer has become the leading cause of death worldwide. Knowing the symptoms and addressing the problem in its early stages is crucial to your chances for survival. The longer cancer goes undiagnosed, the stronger it grows and it can quickly become too difficult to defeat. According to the American Cancer Society, look for these 7 warning signs of cancer (acronym CAUTION):
Change in bowel or bladder habits (unusual color, size, shape of stools) (frequent/infrequent urination)
A sore throat that doesn’t heal (throat becomes tight or swollen) (begin coughing up blood)
Unusual bleeding or discharge (Blood in urine or stools) (odd discharge from nipples, vagina, penis)
Thickening or lump in the breast, testicles, etc. (males are also vulnerable to breast cancer)
Indigestion or difficulty swallowing (pressure inside throat) (stomach feels full without eating)
Obvious change in the size, color, shape, or thickness of a mole, wart, or mouth sore (apply ABCD rule)
Nagging cough or hoarseness (bloody sputum) (sore throat doesn’t subside) (changes in voice)
Symptoms are not limited to the seven warning signs of cancer above. Additional signals include:
Chronic infections
Persistent aches and pains
Loss of appetite or unexplainable weight loss
Continual fever
Constant fatigue, nausea, and/or vomiting
Nagging headaches
If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms above for a continual duration of two weeks or more, schedule a medical exam. Prompt diagnosis will enhance the effectiveness of any necessary treatments and will improve your chances for a successful recovery.