Early Detection of Cancer
Cancer is an abnormal and unrestricted growth of cells of any organ or tissue and at any age into a mass called a tumor. Cancer is dangerous mostly when it spreads to other parts of the body. If it is detected early, it can often be cured. This is why it is so important to seek help early if you have a lump or sore that will not heal.
Warning signals of cancer are:- A discharge that is not part of your usual menstrual flow or occurs after menopause. Also seek help if you have an unusual discharge that smells bad.
- A lump or thickening in the breast or elsewhere in both men and women.
- Change of breast skin so that it looks like the skin of an orange, or red, brown, or even clear discharge from the nipple.
- A sore that does not heal, even with treatment.
- A change in bowel habits such as repeated constipation or diarrhoea or alternating bouts of both.
- Difficulty with urination.
- Blood in stool or urine.
- A persistent cough or hoarseness of voice, blood in sputum.
- Difficulty in swallowing of food or liquid, continual indigestion, blood in vomit.
- Change in a wart or a mole, such as increasing size, change in colour, itching, or bloody discharge.
- Unexplained loss of weight, loss of appetite, or extreme fatigue.
- Any lump or growth found in your armpit, neck, or groin.
- A lump found on bony surface, joint, or muscle.
If you have any of these symptoms or signs or other unexplained symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor immediately. Early detection of cancer and early treatment give better chance of overall survival. Treatment can involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Equally importantly, cancer can prevented so you need to think about all aspects of your lifestyle such as eating, drinking, exercise, and body weight. You can protect yourself from cancer by eliminating the known causative factors from your life. You can be a victor and not a victim.