FAQ. Unexplained weight loss

Many of the signs of cancer are similar to those of other diseases or conditions and are often overlooked. Pay attention to your body. If you notice unusual pain or other changes that do not go away and only get worse, then it's time to go to the doctor.

Uterine bleeding during menopause

It is quite common for women to find spotting even after they have gone through menopause. But if suddenly the same bleeding begins as during menstruation, and it does not stop, it may be early sign uterine cancer. The good news is that women diagnosed in the first stage, before the cancer has spread, have an 88% survival rate, according to the American Cancer Society.

Change in breast color or size

Unusual seals are indirect signs breast cancer that women can detect on their own. But other changes in the breast can signal cancer. If you notice that the skin on your chest has become uneven, swelling or slight discoloration (deep red or pink) appears, then this should be a cause for concern. These signs don't necessarily mean you have cancer, which is why many women put off their doctor visits, hoping things will go away on their own.

Bloating

Almost every woman complains of bloating, especially during the premenstrual period. But if you notice that bloating does not go away even after menstruation, or if you suffer from constant constipation, this may indicate cancer of the uterus or ovaries. If a few weeks go by and you are not getting better, then you can no longer put off going to the doctor. Many women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer report that they experienced vague symptoms, such as bloating, but ignored them for several months before seeking help. Feeling of fullness in the stomach despite poor appetite, is another common sign of ovarian cancer.

Abnormal menstruation and pelvic pain

Many women have irregular menstruation, but if these periods become more difficult for you, and you notice spotting between them, or if you have pain in the pelvic area, you should see a doctor for a transvaginal ultrasound. The doctor should check the uterus, ovaries, or rule out other possible types vaginal cancer.

chronic cough

Almost everyone has had a cold when they feel like they can spit out their lungs. But if you have a cough that lasts three weeks or more and you don't have other symptoms that usually accompany a cold or an allergy (like a stuffy nose), it could be an early sign of lung cancer. Leukemia can also cause the same symptoms as bronchitis or the flu. If your cough is different from your usual one, or if it doesn't go away long time or you start coughing up blood, that's very telling. Some patients with lung cancer complain of chest pain that extends up into the shoulder or down into the arm.

Stomach pain or nausea

Indigestion is so frequent occurrence these days it rarely means you have cancer. But if you notice sudden nausea or persistent stomach cramps, and it doesn't get better, you should see your doctor. Of course, such symptoms can also signal an ulcer, but it can also be leukemia or cancer of the liver, esophagus, pancreas, or colon.

Frequent colds and infections

If you rarely got sick before, but now you have noticed frequent colds and infection, this may be an early sign of leukemia. Blood cancer causes the body to produce abnormal white blood cells. This undermines the body's ability to fight infections by weakening immune system. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as fever, that don't go away.

Difficulty in swallowing

A sore throat can make swallowing difficult and especially painful. But if you notice that this condition persists for several weeks, and it only gets worse, consult a doctor. This common feature throat or stomach cancer, and an early sign of lung cancer.

Excessive bruising

If you wake up and find one mysterious bruise, it's probably not something to worry about. Perhaps you hit something while walking to the bathroom last night and don't remember it. But if you start noticing bruising all the time, especially on strange places such as hands or fingers, the alarm should be raised. Light, unusual bruising can be a sign of leukemia, according to the American Cancer Treatment Center. Over time, leukemia reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen, causing blood clots to form.

Unexplained weight loss

Losing weight for most women is a reason to rejoice. But if you lost your appetite, although you didn’t complain about it before, and you didn’t encounter any problems or events in life that could affect it, then it’s worth getting diagnosed. Weight loss or an unusual change in appetite can be a sign of many cancers, including those of the esophagus, pancreas, liver, and colon. But most often it is a sign of leukemia or lymphoma.

Constant fatigue

Every woman has days when she lacks energy. But you should feel cheerful after good night at night. If you notice that you feel tired every day for a month or longer, or if you have shortness of breath, which was not there before, it is worth contacting a doctor. In most cases, cancer is not the cause, but it's best to get tested to know for sure. Leukemia and lymphoma usually cause constant fatigue.

chronic headaches

If you're not prone to migraines and never get headaches, but suddenly find yourself craving ibuprofen every day, it could be a sign of a brain tumor that's pressing on nerves and causing pain.

Blood in the stool

Most likely this is a symptom benign tumor, for example, hemorrhoids. But it can also be a sign of colon cancer. This symptom is increasingly common in people under the age of 50. In such cases, experts primarily recommend screening for colon cancer. This diagnosis is very important. It's very easy to think it's hemorrhoids or constipation, and if the problem comes and goes, people reassure themselves that nothing is wrong. This attitude is especially common among young people. But the blood in the gut is never normal so it's worth checking yourself out.

Noticeable skin changes

Skin cancer is one of the most common types of this disease, and its early signs are the most difficult to recognize. Skin cancer is so difficult to diagnose because many people think they have freckles or moles or darker ones. age spots. If you notice that the mole is getting darker, getting larger, or becoming bulging, it should be checked. Skin altered by melanoma is easier to identify because these patches often have irregular shape than moles, dark color, or even a combination of several shades. Melanoma is much less common than other types of skin cancer, but at the same time it is more dangerous. However, melanoma is characterized long period when it is not aggressive and can be cured, but only at an early stage.

Ulcers or pain in the mouth

If you notice that you have started to develop mouth sores that won't heal, white or red spots on your gums or tongue, or swelling or numbness in your jaw, this could be a sign of certain types of cancer. oral cavity. If these symptoms persist for two weeks, you should consult a doctor.

Most often, seals in the mammary glands are not cancer. And yet, go for an examination if you find yourself with this or other symptoms:

skin retraction or folds,
inverted nipples,
nipple discharge,
redness or scales on the skin of the nipples and.

To determine the cause of these symptoms, the doctor will order a mammogram or biopsy (taking a small piece of tissue for examination).

2. Bloating

If it persists for a long time, is accompanied by weight loss or bleeding, be sure to consult a doctor. Constant bloating may be a sign of breast cancer, colon cancer, gastrointestinal tract, ovaries, pancreas or uterus.

Depending on other symptoms prescribed gynecological examination, blood test, mammography, colonoscopy, computed tomography or ultrasound.

3. Bleeding outside of your period

Bleeding that does not fit into your typical cycle may have. However, screening for endometrial cancer should be done. This is the mucous membrane that lines the uterine cavity.

If bleeding occurs after menopause, see your doctor right away.

4. Moles

If the mole has changed size, shape, color, or you have new ones, contact your doctor immediately. Don't delay. This is a common sign of cancer. You need to undergo a thorough examination.

5. Blood in urine and feces

If you observe this symptom for more than a couple of days, consult a doctor. Most often, bloody stools are a sign of hemorrhoids. But it also causes colon cancer. And blood in the urine is usually the first sign of cancer. Bladder and kidneys. But do not rush to panic, it may just be an inflammation of the bladder - cystitis.

6. Changes in the lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are small, round or bean-shaped formations. They carry lymph from various organs. They usually increase during infectious diseases. But they also swell and become tender in some types of cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma. See your doctor if swelling or swelling doesn't go away for more than a month.

7. Difficulty swallowing

It's okay if it happens sometimes. But if it happens frequently and is accompanied by vomiting or weight loss, you should be screened for cancer of the throat, esophagus, and stomach.

In this case, endoscopy (“swallowing a light bulb”), computed tomography of the neck, chest And abdominal cavity. Can appoint x-ray examination using barium suspension: the patient drinks a special liquid, on x-ray pharynx and stomach are illuminated.

8. Weight loss

Most women dream overweight disappeared on their own. But if you have not changed your diet and training regimen, weight loss indicates problems in the body. Especially if you have lost more than five kilograms.

Most often it is not associated with cancer. Causes can be stress or disease thyroid gland. But cancer of the pancreas, colon, stomach or lungs cannot be ruled out.

9. Heartburn

It is most commonly caused by overeating, excessive drinking, or stress. Or all three reasons together. Change your diet and wait one to two weeks. If it doesn't go away, see a doctor.

Frequent long-term heartburn is a symptom of cancer of the stomach and throat. Even if your heartburn isn't caused by cancer, it can damage the lining of your esophagus and lead to conditions like Barrett's esophagus. It replaces normal cells in the esophagus with precancerous cells.

10. Spots in the mouth

Look for yellow, grey, white or bright red spots. Especially if you smoke. All of these can signal oral cancer. See your doctor or dentist for an examination.

11. High temperature

A temperature that does not go away for a long time and is not explained by other diseases can signal leukemia or other hemoblastoses. Don't put off going to the doctor. He should ask you about previous diseases and prescribe the necessary examination.

12. Fatigue

Of course, it is often due to stress at work or constant haste. But if it does not pass for a long time, it is no longer normal.

Consult a doctor, first an endocrinologist, if even after rest or accompanied by other symptoms, such as bloody stools. Your doctor will order blood tests and other tests.

13. Cough

The cough usually goes away on its own in three to four weeks. If it lasts longer, do not delay going to the doctor. Especially if you smoke or suffer from shortness of breath. If you are coughing up blood, go to the hospital immediately.

14. Pain

The cause of pain in the body can be various diseases, including cancer of the bones, brain, or other organs. Once the tumor has spread, the pain may be incessant. If incomprehensible pain last more than a month, be sure to go to the doctor.

15. Abdominal pain and depression

Abdominal pain along with can signal pancreatic cancer. This happens quite rarely, so do not immediately panic. Suspicions of malignant tumor justified only if pancreatic cancer - hereditary disease in your family. Then you need to get tested as soon as possible.

Studies show that women are generally more vigilant than men when it comes to what doctors recommend. preventive examinations and cancer checks. In addition, women are more likely to check and potentially dangerous symptoms. However, not always. So, young women tend to ignore the signs that indicate cancer. They have a prejudice that cancer is a problem for older people. And while we really want to believe this, the truth is that cancer can occur at any age.

Of course, some women are just as good as men at not noticing the ailment. Too many people deliberately ignore their symptoms of cancer. And this, as a rule, is a consequence of denial. Many people are convinced that cancer is not curable, so they behave in this way, trying to simply ignore the problem.

Talk about anxiety symptoms should not make people react too painfully, according to oncologists. No one should have the impression that they are obliged to follow every, the most insignificant change in the body.

Keeping a healthy balance between denial and hypochondria in mind, we asked oncologists about signs that shouldn't immediately make women suspect they have cancer, but still need to be checked.

Read about 15 possible symptoms cancer, which are often ignored by women.

№ 1. inexplicable loss weight

Many women dream of losing weight without special efforts. But unexplained weight loss - for example, 2.5 kilograms per month without increasing the amount of exercise or reducing the amount of food - should be reported to the doctor.

Oncologists believe that unexplained weight loss is caused by cancer until proven otherwise. Of course, this may be due to another condition, such as an overactive thyroid gland, however, this is not good either.

So you need to prepare for the fact that the doctor may prescribe you an analysis of thyroid hormones and, possibly, a CT scan of various organs. To make a diagnosis, it will be necessary to examine all probable causes, one by one.

This is such a common problem that many women live with it, not paying any attention to the disease. However, this condition may indicate ovarian cancer. Other symptoms of this disease include pain in the abdomen or pelvis, early satiety (especially if you have eaten a little), and trouble urinating.

№ 7. Blood in the wrong place

Every woman experiencing abdominal pain and depression must pass. Some researchers have found a link between depression and pancreatic cancer, but this link has not been proven.

№ 9. Digestive disorders

indigestion without apparent reason- Another red flag. This may be an early signal of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or throat.

Your doctor will ask you about your history of symptoms and ask questions about indigestion before prescribing any.

№ 10. Changes in the mouth

Smokers need to be especially alert to any white lines in the mouth or white dots on the tongue. Both of these signs may indicate precancerous condition called leukoplakia, which can develop into oral cancer.

Contact your dentist or doctor to look at these symptoms and decide on next steps.

With age, people tend to complain more often about various pains. But pain, as broad as it is, can also be an early sign of some types of cancer, although most complaints of pain are not due to cancer.

Any persistent unexplained pain should be checked. Your doctor will take a careful history at the time of examination and, based on this information, decide what needs to be done.

If you notice lumps or lumps in the lymph nodes under your arms, in your neck, or anywhere else, this could be cause for concern.

If no cause is found, doctors usually order a biopsy.

№ 13. Heat

If you have a fever that is not due to the flu or another infection, it may indicate early forms blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma.

Other symptoms of cancer may include jaundice, or a change in the color of the stool.

The doctor will perform a thorough physical examination, record a history of symptoms, and order tests such as chest x-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or others.

№ 14. Fatigue

With age in female body are happening various changes. However, completely harmless at first glance, the symptoms may indicate the presence of cancer.

That is why every woman should be attentive to her body and any metamorphoses that occur to it.

Breast changes

In most cases, the growths that you can feel on your breasts are not cancerous. But this does not mean at all that such a symptom can be ignored. Any formations, changes in the structure of the breast, nipple or redness of the skin should be immediately shown to the attending physician.

Through inspection and necessary research such as a mammogram or biopsy, your doctor will be able to correct diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Flatulence

Flatulence - common symptom among women and in most cases it is not a sign of a serious illness. However, if bloating has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, you should see your doctor.

If the symptom does not go away with time, or is accompanied by weight loss or bleeding, seek immediate medical attention. Persistent bloating may indicate ovarian cancer. During the examination, you will be asked to take blood tests and, in some cases, an ultrasound.

Bleeding between periods

If you experience bleeding or spotting between periods, this is an occasion to consult your doctor as soon as possible. Bloody issues between periods can have many causes, one of which is endometrial cancer (cancer of the body of the uterus).

Bleeding that occurs after menopause is never normal and is a reason to seek urgent help.

Skin changes

Changes in the size, shape, or color of moles are the most common sign of skin cancer. See your doctor as soon as you notice any of these changes.

Blood in urine or stool

Blood in the stool is most often associated with hemorrhoids, but it can also indicate colon cancer. Blood in the urine can, in turn, indicate the presence of bladder or kidney cancer.

Changes in the lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are small glands located throughout the body. Most changes in the lymph nodes are due to infections. However, some cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma, may present with swollen lymph nodes.

Be sure to consult a doctor if you find a seal or swelling of the lymph nodes that does not go away for more than one month.

Swallowing problems

If swallowing problems occur frequently, or are accompanied by vomiting or weight loss, seek immediate medical attention. This symptom may indicate cancer of the throat or stomach.

X-rays are used to examine these symptoms.

Unreasonable weight loss

Loss of 5 kg or more with no change in diet, or physical activity may indicate a problem.

most common cause drastic weight loss is, of course, not cancer, but stress or thyroid problems. However, in some cases, this may indicate cancer of the pancreas, stomach, or lungs.

Heartburn

Too much food, alcohol, or stress can lead to heartburn. To understand that heartburn is not serious symptom, you should change your diet for one to two weeks and see if the heartburn goes away.

If this does not help, see a doctor. Persistent heartburn may indicate cancer of the stomach, throat, or ovaries.

Changes in the mouth

If you smoke, watch for light or bright red spots inside your mouth or on your lips. They can signal oral cancer.

Heat

A persistent fever for no reason can be a symptom of leukemia or other blood cancers.

Chronic fatigue

You may feel tired from what you are driving active image life. However, constant causeless fatigue is not a normal symptom.

If fatigue is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, be sure to see a doctor.

Cough

Most often, the cough goes away within 3-4 weeks. However, if the cough lasts longer than one month or is accompanied by shortness of breath, seek help. If the cough is accompanied by hemoptysis, contact your doctor immediately. Cough is one of the most common symptoms of lung cancer.

Pain

In most cases, cancer does not cause pain. However, prolonged pain may indicate bone or brain cancer. Pain should definitely be paid attention to if it lasts longer than a month.

Abdominal pain and depression

IN rare cases abdominal pain combined with depression can be a symptom of pancreatic cancer.

Studies show that women are generally more vigilant than men when it comes to preventive checkups and cancer checks. Women are also more likely to check for potentially dangerous symptoms. However, young women tend to ignore the signs of cancer. They have a prejudice that cancer is a problem for older people. And while we really want to believe this, the truth is that cancer can occur at any age.

Talking about anxiety symptoms should not cause a painful reaction in patients, oncologists say. No one should think that it is necessary to monitor every, even the most insignificant, change in the body.

Keeping a healthy balance between denial and hypochondria in mind, we asked oncologists about signs that women should not panic and suspect they have cancer.

#1 Unexplained Weight Loss

Oncologists believe that cancer is the cause of unexplained weight loss until proven otherwise. Of course, this may be due to another condition, such as an overactive thyroid gland, which is also a serious syndrome.

Therefore, your doctor may order a thyroid hormone test and possibly a CT scan of various organs. To make a diagnosis, it will be necessary to examine all the likely causes, one by one.

#2 Bloating

This is such a common problem that many women do not pay any attention to it. However, this condition may indicate ovarian cancer. Other symptoms of this oncological disease include pain in the abdomen or pelvis, feeling full quickly, and trouble urinating.

If bloating bothers you almost every day for several weeks, you should consult your doctor. The doctor will carefully ask you about the course of the disease and prescribe, in particular, computed tomography and blood tests.

#3 Breast Changes

Most women are aware of the condition of their breasts, even if they do not conduct special self-examinations, and, as a rule, feel if there are lumps. But this is not the only symptom that indicates breast cancer. Redness and thickening of the breast skin, for example, may indicate a very rare but aggressive form of breast cancer. inflammatory cancer- and should be verified. If you find rashes that persist for several weeks, you should see your doctor.

If your nipple changes or you notice discharge (and don't breastfeed), see your doctor. If this continues for any length of time, there is cause for concern. In addition, if your nipples are initially flat, this is not a problem. But changing their appearance can be a disturbing symptom.

In this case, the doctor will carefully examine the breast and order tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and possibly a biopsy.

#4 Bleeding Between Periods or Other Atypical Bleeding

Pre-menopausal women often ignore bleeding between periods, oncologists say. They also ignore bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, mistaking it for menstruation. But bleeding between periods, especially if they usually occur regularly, should be checked, as this may be a symptom of endometrial cancer. Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract can be a sign of colon cancer.

Pay attention to what is normal for you, oncologists say. If a woman has never had a discharge in the middle of the cycle, and suddenly they appeared, this is not normal.

Endometrial cancer is a common type of gynecological cancer. At least three-quarters of people with this diagnosis had a history of abnormal bleeding as an early sign.

Depending on the amount of bleeding and other symptoms, your doctor may prescribe ultrasound examination or a biopsy.

#5 Skin Changes

Most of us pay close attention to changes in moles, a well-known sign of skin cancer. It is also necessary to carefully monitor changes in skin pigmentation. If you find bleeding on the skin or excessive peeling, make an appointment with your doctor. It's hard to say how long skin changes are enough reason to visit a doctor, but most experts agree: you can't be inactive for more than a few weeks.

#6 Difficulty swallowing

If you are having difficulty swallowing, you may have already changed your diet so that chewing is not a problem, such as switching to soups or liquid foods such as protein shakes.

But these difficulties can be a sign of gastrointestinal cancer, such as cancer of the esophagus.

Your doctor will likely order tests such as X-ray examination breast or gastrointestinal tract check.

No. 7. Blood is not where it should be

If you notice blood in your urine or in intestinal secretions, do not immediately suspect that you have hemorrhoids. This may be a sign of colon cancer.

Your doctor will ask various questions and possibly order tests such as a colonoscopy to check the bowel for cancer.

Blood in the urine can indeed be due to menstruation, but tests should still be done to rule out bladder or kidney cancer.

A symptom such as coughing up blood should also be reported to the doctor. One instance of abnormal bleeding may not mean anything, but if it occurs more than once, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

No. 8. Constant It's a dull pain stomach and depression

Every woman experiencing abdominal pain and depression needs to be tested. Some researchers have found a link between depression and pancreatic cancer, but this link is poorly proven.

No. 9. Digestive disorders

Indigestion for no apparent reason is another red flag. This may be an early signal of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or throat.

During the examination, the doctor will ask you about your history of symptoms and ask questions about indigestion before ordering any tests.

#10 Mouth Changes

Smokers need to be especially alert to any white lines in the mouth or white dots on the tongue. Both of these signs can indicate a precancerous condition called leukoplakia, which can develop into oral cancer.

Talk to your dentist or doctor to look at these signs and decide what to do next.

No. 11. Pain

As people age, they tend to complain more about various pains. But such broad concept, like pain, can be an early sign of some types of cancer, although most complaints of pain are not due to cancer.

Any persistent unexplained pain should be checked. Most likely, your doctor will take a careful history and, based on this information, decide what needs to be checked.

No. 12. Changes in the lymph nodes

Lumps or swelling in the lymph nodes in the armpits or in the neck can be a cause for concern.

If you see that lymph node gradually increases over a month or longer, consult your doctor. The doctor will examine you and check possible reasons, which can affect the enlargement of the lymph nodes.

If no cause is found, doctors usually order a biopsy.

No. 13. Heat

If you have a fever that is not due to the flu or another infection, then this symptom may indicate early forms of blood cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma.

Other symptoms of cancer may include jaundice or change in stool color.

The doctor will perform a thorough physical examination, record a history of symptoms, and order tests such as chest X-rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging, or others.

No. 14. Fatigue

Fatigue is another vague symptom that could indicate cancer or other problems. Unexplained fatigue - if you feel exhausted despite not being active - can begin after the cancer has begun to progress, as well as during early stages certain types of cancer, such as leukemia, or certain types of colon or stomach cancer.

No. 15. Persistent cough

Cough often occurs with colds, flu, allergies, and sometimes is side effect medicines. But a persistent cough—lasting more than three or four weeks—cannot be ignored.

In that case, you need to see a doctor. The doctor will check your throat, lung function, and possibly x-rays, especially if you smoke.