While many of us have been taught to self-examine ourselves, looking for lumps and bumps on our bodies that could give us cause for alarm when thinking about the risks of cancer, there are other symptoms that are easy to ignore. We have included a list of them in this article, and while they may not always indicate the possibility of cancer, it is still worth seeing your doctor if any of them are relevant to you.
Symptom #1: Bloating
We can all feel bloated after eating a large meal, and for women, feelings of bloating can also occur during the menstrual cycle. But as this article at Inspire suggests, bloating can also be an early sign of ovarian cancer. If this feeling persists, and you know you haven’t eaten or drank anything to cause you to feel overly full, then book that appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Symptom #2: Persistent Coughing
As we discussed in a previous article, certain health issues can appear innocuous but actually be a cause for concern. This is true of coughing. We can overlook the problem if we have recently had a cold or have other flu symptoms, but if we haven’t had those symptoms at all, or if we experience coughing fits long after our cold or flu has ended, then the red flags need to be raised. Persistent coughing can be a symptom for leukemia or lung cancer, and especially if blood is coughed up, it is necessary to seek medical advice immediately.
Symptom #3: Regular headaches and migraines
There are all kinds of reasons why we might get a headache or a migraine. Stress can be a leading factor, as can issues with noise and even our eyesight. However, if you are experiencing headaches regularly, and a) you don’t have the issues we mentioned, or b) you are not usually prone to headaches, then you have cause to see your doctor. Regular and severe headaches could be a symptom for brain cancer, and particularly if you have experienced one or more of these other symptoms, you do need to seek professional attention.
Symptom #4: Random Bruising
You can expect a few bruises here and there, especially if you’re clumsy or involved in physical activities. Your skin can also bruise quite easily as you age. However, if you notice bruises popping up on your body with no explanation as to why they should be there, then you need to pay attention. Mysterious bruising could be a symptom of leukemia, so taking a cue from this case study, speak to your doctor, because as with many cancers, getting help early can improve your chances of remission.
Symptom #5: Excessive Tiredness
We all get tired from time to time. A hard day at the office, a long day with the kids, a workout at the gym… these are just some of the reasons why our energy levels can plummet. There can be medical reasons too. Feeling fatigue can be brought on by depression and anemia, so a few lifestyle changes may be in order, as well as a trip to the doctor. However, as is discussed here, if you are regularly feeling fatigue and tiredness, you might be experiencing an early symptom of cancer. Don’t brush it off, book that appointment, and even if it is just tiredness because of the kids or a symptom of another health issue, you will at least have some peace of mind.
Finally
Don’t take any chances. If you have experienced any of the symptoms above, seek medical attention. You may be perfectly fine, but as we suggested earlier, if it is cancer, the sooner you get help, the greater your chances of overcoming this dreaded disease.
Take care, and thanks for reading!