10 Signs You May Have Cancer

As a rule, cancer is hard to detect in its early stages. The dreaded C-word is also difficult to diagnose in the beginning. In fact, this life-threatening disease is usually only diagnosed when it reaches incurable stages. However, if you pay attention to your body, it’s now easier than ever to identify this lethal disease before it’s too late.

Listed here are the 10 most common side effects of cancer in its early stages. If you or someone you love are experiencing one or more of them, it may be worth having the area checked out.

A Lump Beneath Your Skin

You can easily detect lumps regularly by examining your body. Performing self-exams of breasts, testicles, armpits, throat, abdomen, and other soft tissues is a great way to distinguish any unusual changes in your body. Get comfortable with touching these areas on a regular basis to detect early signs of cancer before lumps develop into larger tumors.

Changes In Bowel Movements

Anything that seems different from your usual stool – blood or pain during defecation, fairer or darker stool color, mucus, constipation, or diarrhea – that lasts for more than two days should be a reason to worry. These signs are often the first symptoms of colorectal cancer.

Loss of Appetite or Trouble Swallowing

Any disorder or discomfort that significantly disrupts your digestive process is a cause for concern.

White Spots on Your Tongue or in Your Mouth

Whitish spots or bumps in your mouth and throat require immediate medical attention.

Bleeding

Unexplained bleeding that cannot be accounted for other than a woman’s menstrual cycle should be immediately examined. Blood from your nipples, the uterus, or any other unusual bodily excretions should be checked by the doctor.

Coughing

A cancer may be growing inside your lungs, esophagus, throat and even stomach if you are experiencing persistent coughing that is not a result of flu, cold, or any other respiratory illness.

Wounds that Don’t Heal

If you have a minor cut or another small injury that is taking a long time to heal, it is a sign that a tumor may be growing in your body. Your immune system stops functioning properly when it’s trying to fight off cancer. You should visit a doctor immediately!

Voice Changes

Cancer of the larynx can cause your voice to change pitch and tone.

Changes in Urination

Changes in the strength of your urine flow, color, smell, presence of foam, or especially noticeable blood should be a reason for concern.

Itchy Skin

Your immune system treats cancer like bacteria. Your white blood cells get mobilized attempting to destroy it. This is why blood flow increases in the area of a cancerous growth. Such areas may feel warm, appear red, change color, feel tight and itchy