While several types of cancer are preventable, cancer is one of the major causes of deaths in India. As per research, in India, one in nine people are likely to develop cancer in his/her lifetime. Early detection of cancer has made its treatment possible with a good success rate. Hence, it is extremely important to recognise the warning signs of cancer to prevent its development.
To know warning signs of cancer that are majorly overlooked, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Indu Bansal Aggarwal, Radiation Oncologist, Paras Healthcare, Gurugram.
Warning Signs Of Cancer
Dr Bansal helped us list down warning signs of cancer which are commonly neglected leading to the development of cancer giving rise to grave consequences.
1. Change In Bowel Movements
One of the most unnoticed symptoms of cancer according to Dr Bansal is change in bowel movements. In the fast-paced world, it is difficult to notice changing bowel movements. Dr Bansal said, “Changes in bowel movements like pain while passing stool, constipation that does not go away, or bleeding in stools, can be symptoms of colon cancer, colorectal cancer, Anal cancer or gallbladder cancer.”
2. A Sore That Does Not Heal
Dr Bansal shed light on a very unheard symptom of cancer, an unhealed sore. It is advisable to not overlook the sore and immediately visit your doctor for further diagnosis.
Also read: Age Spots Or Skin Cancer: How To Differentiate Between The Two?
3. Change In Urine Patterns
A developing cancer can lead to symptoms like frequent urination, burning pain while urinating, urination more than usual, or blood in urine can be a few symptoms of cancer. Dr Bansal said, “Change in urinary pattern is a common symptom for several types of cancer, so restrain from neglecting these small changes in your urine and contact your doctor for further diagnosis.”
4. Unusual Discharge Or Bleeding
Explaining the symptom, Dr Bansal said, “Unusual bleeding from nose, mouth, poop, post menopausal bleeding and even vaginal bleeding shouldn’t be neglected. Anal bleeding can denote colon or colorectal cancer, bleeding from mouth or gums can be a sign of gum cancer, urine blood can denote bladder cancer, and nose bleeding can indicate nasal or sinus cancer.” These were just a few examples explained by Dr Bansal but if you experience unusual bleeding from any other part of your body, rush to your doctor to decipher the diagnosis.
5. Unusual Lump
Any persistent lump or swelling should not be left undiagnosed as it can be a warning sign of cancer. Dr Bansal said, “In my practice, I have seen many women coming to me having a lump in their breast since a very long time but they say, as it did not hurt, they did not get it checked. Most of the time, this non-painful lump turns out to be cancer. I urge people to not ignore lumps not only in the breast but anywhere in the body as it can be a sign of cancer.”
Also read: Expert Recommendation: Cancer Screenings For Every Age Group
Listing other symptoms which can possibly result in cancer, Dr Bansal said, “Difficulty in swallowing can be symptom of throat cancer. Chronic acidity or unwillingness to eat anything are overlooked most of the time but it can point to ovarian cancer. Lung cancer can be indicated through symptoms like change in voice and chest pain. Unexplained anemia is another warning sign of cancer which is commonly neglected.”
Bottomline
Cancer is a preventable disease if it is diagnosed early. The above mentioned symptoms are commonly overlooked and delay in diagnosis of any type of cancer can be fatal. If you experience any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to immediately visit a doctor.