Cancer is the leading cause of death in the world. A healthy lifestyle is the key to reducing the risk of suffering from it.
This disease can start in any part of the body and spread to others. This is known as metastasis. According to Medline plus, the website of the United States National Library of Medicine, whether cancer cells metastasize or not depends on factors such as the type of cancer, the degree, the location and the natural defenses of the person’s body.
Some types of cancer only show symptoms when they are advanced. That is why it is important to carry out regular medical check-ups. The US National Cancer Institute explains some of the symptoms that cancer can cause. It should be noted that a doctor should be consulted so that he can make a professional diagnosis.
breast changes
- Feeling a lump or something solid in the breast or under the arm.
- Changes or discharges in the nipples.
- Skin that is red, flaky, dimpled, or pitted, and itchy.
bladder changes
- Difficulty urinating.
- Pain when urinating.
- Blood in the urine.
Bleeding or bruising for no apparent reason
Changes in the intestine
cough or hoarseness that does not disappear
eating problems
- Pain after eating (heartburn or indigestion that does not go away).
- Swallowing problems.
- Stomach ache.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Appetite changes.
Fatigue serious and long lasting
Fever or night sweats with no reason
changes in the mouth
- A white or red patch on the tongue or in the mouth.
- Bleeding, pain, or numbness in the lips or mouth.
neurological problems
- Headaches.
- seizures
- Vision changes.
- Hearing changes.
- Facial paralysis.
skin changes
- A flesh-colored lump that bleeds or becomes scaly.
- A new mole or a change in an existing mole.
- An irritation that does not heal.
- Jaundice (turning yellow of the skin or the whites of the eyes).
Swelling or lumps anywhere like the neck, armpits, stomach, and groin
gain or lose weight for no known reason
The American Cancer Association explains that most signs or symptoms are not caused by cancer, but by other conditions. Therefore, it is important that in case of presenting them, you go to a doctor, so that he can carry out the corresponding tests and provide a professional diagnosis.
“Sometimes it is possible to find cancer before you have symptoms. The American Cancer Society and other health organizations recommend cancer screening and certain tests for people even when they don’t have symptoms.”
Regular doctor visits are the key to detecting cancer at an early stage and starting timely treatment to avoid further health complications. “When cancer is found early, it is more likely to respond to treatment, which could increase the chance of survival, reduce morbidity and make therapy cheaper. If the disease is detected early and care is not delayed, the lives of cancer patients can be significantly improved”indicates the World Health Organization.
Risk factor’s
Experts still don’t know the cause of many types of cancer. However, Medline Plus, the website of the United States National Library of Medicine, points out that there are some risk factors for this disease.
There are multiple risk factors for cancer such as:
- Exposure to benzene and other chemicals.
- Drink too much alcohol.
- Environmental toxins, such as certain poisonous fungi and a type of mold that can form on peanut plants called aflatoxins.
- Genetic problems.
- Obesity.
- Exposure to radiation.
- Too much sun exposure.
- Virus.