Women Should Not Ignore These 10 Cancer Symptoms
Cancer is a serious disease that can affect anyone regardless of their gender. However, some types of cancer are more common in women than men. It’s important for women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer so they can seek medical attention as soon as possible. Here are 10 cancer symptoms that women should not ignore.
1. Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
2. Changes in breast size, shape, or texture
3. Persistent abdominal bloating or discomfort
4. Changes in bowel or bladder habits
5. Persistent cough or hoarseness
6. Persistent indigestion or difficulty swallowing
7. Persistent headaches or vision changes
8. Unexplained weight loss
9. Fatigue or weakness that doesn’t improve with rest
10. Skin changes, such as a new mole or a mole that changes in size or color
Unusual Vaginal Bleeding
Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge refers to any abnormal changes in the quantum, color, odor, or thickness of vaginal discharge or bleeding outside of normal menstrual cycles. It can be a symptom of several types of cancer that affect the reproductive system, similar as cervical, uterine or ovarian cancer.
Some examples of unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge include:
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Bleeding after menopause
- Excessive or prolonged bleeding during menstruation
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
Changes in breast size, shape, or texture
Changes in breast size, shape, or texture refer to any noticeable differences in the appearance or feel of the breast tissue. These changes can be a symptom of breast cancer, though they can also be caused by other conditions or factors.
Some examples of changes in breast size, shape, or texture that women should be aware of include:
- A lump or thickening in the breast tissue
- Swelling or shrinkage of the breast
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin on the breast
- Nipple discharge or inversion
- Redness, scaling, or other changes in the texture of the skin on the breast
- A new or changing asymmetry in the size or shape of the breasts
Persistent abdominal bloating or discomfort
Persistent abdominal bloating or discomfort refers to ongoing and uncomfortable lump or wholeness in the tummy that lasts for an extended period of time. While bloating can be a normal part of the digestive process, patient bloating or discomfort can be a symptom of several types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and stomach cancer.
Some common signs and symptoms of patient abdominal bloating or discomfort include:
- Feeling full after eating only a small amount of food
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Nausea or vomiting
- Changes in bowel movements, such as constipation or diarrhea
- Unexplained weight loss
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Changes in bowel or bladder habits relate to any conspicuous changes in your typical patterns of urination or bowel movements. While changes in bowel or bladder habits can be caused by a variety of conditions, they can also be a symptom of certain types of cancer, similar as colon, bladder, or prostate cancer
Some common changes in bowel or bladder habits that women should be aware of include:
- Blood in the urine or stool
- Frequent urination or urgency
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Changes in the consistency or appearance of stool, such as thin or pencil-like stools or stools that are dark or tar-like
- Feeling like the bowel is not emptying completely
Persistent cough or hoarseness
A Persistent cough or hoarseness refers to ongoing or long– continuing changes in your voice or cough that don’t go down after a many weeks. While coughing or hoarseness can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral or bacterial infections, disinclinations, or annoyances, it can also be a symptom of certain types of cancer, similar as lung, throat, or thyroid cancer.
Some common signs and symptoms of a patient cough or hoarseness include:
- A cough that lasts for more than three weeks
- A cough that produces blood or mucus
- Hoarseness or changes in the voice that last for more than two weeks
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Heartburn or acid reflux that does not improve with medication or lifestyle changes
- Feeling full or bloated after eating only a small amount of food
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing or the sensation of food getting stuck in the throat or chest
- Unexplained weight loss
Persistent indigestion or difficulty swallowing
Persistent indigestion refers to recurring or long-lasting discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen that occurs after eating. It is characterized by symptoms such as a feeling of fullness, bloating, nausea, or discomfort. This can occur despite making lifestyle changes or using over-the-counter medications to alleviate the symptoms.
Some common signs and symptoms of Persistent indigestion or difficulty swallowing include:
- Feeling of discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen or chest after eating.
- Frequent or recurring heartburn or acid reflux.
- A sensation of fullness or bloating in the stomach, even after eating small amounts.
- Nausea or vomiting, especially after meals.
- Regurgitation of food or sour-tasting liquid into the mouth.
- Experiencing difficulty or pain when swallowing solid foods, liquids, or pills.
- The feeling of food getting stuck in the throat or chest.
- Coughing or choking while eating or drinking.
- Unexpected weight loss or a decreased appetite.
- Chest pain or discomfort, particularly during swallowing.
Persistent headaches or vision changes
Persistent headaches or vision changes relate to ongoing or long– continuing changes in your vision or headaches that don’t ameliorate with untoward pain drug or life changes. While headaches and vision changes can be caused by a variety of factors, similar as stress, dehumidification, or migraines, they can also be a symptom of certain types of cancer, similar as brain or eye cancer.
Some common signs and symptoms of patient headaches or vision changes include:
- Headaches that are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or confusion
- Changes in vision, such as blurry or double vision, loss of peripheral vision, or seeing flashing lights or spots
- Pain or pressure around the eyes or forehead
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained weight loss refers to a significant and unintentional loss of weight without any apparent cause. While weight loss can be caused by a variety of factors, similar as changes in diet or exercise habits, it can also be a symptom of certain types of cancer, similar as pancreatic, stomach, or lung cancer.
Some common signs and symptoms of unexplained weight loss include:
- Losing more than 10 pounds without intending to
- A decrease in appetite or difficulty eating
- Feeling full or bloated after eating only a small amount of food
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weakness or fatigue
Fatigue or weakness that doesn't improve with rest
Fatigue or weakness that does not improve with rest refers to ongoing or long– lasting frazzle or weakness that doesn’t ameliorate indeed with acceptable rest or sleep. While fatigue and weakness can be caused by a variety of factors, similar as stress, lack of sleep, or anemia, they can also be a symptom of certain types of cancer, similar as leukemia or carcinoma.
Some common signs and symptoms of fatigue or weakness that does not ameliorate with rest include:
- Feeling tired or weak even after sleeping or resting for an adequate amount of time
- Difficulty performing routine tasks that you used to do without any problems
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Skin changes, such as a new mole or a mole that changes in size or color
Skin changes, such as a new mole or a mole that changes in size or color, refer to any changes in the appearance of your skin that are abnormal or unusual. While changes in the skin can be caused by a variety of factors, such as aging or exposure to the sun, they can also be a symptom of certain types of cancer, such as melanoma.
Some common signs and symptoms of skin changes that may be indicative of cancer include:
- A new mole or a mole that has changed in size, shape, or color
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- Redness or swelling on the skin
- Itching, tenderness, or pain in an area of the skin
- Ulceration or bleeding in a mole or skin lesion