Women are encouraged to do monthly breast self-exams to pinpoint problems before they become more serious. A lump can be meaningless or benign and usually is, but it is important to be aware so you can track any changes. Lumps are not the only thing that you need to check for. Changes in the texture and feel of the skin, redness, or changes in nipples can be indications of cancer or other serious problems. If you need to review how to do a breast exam, there are many books available that can teach you about good breast health practices. If you are having a check up for a pap smear or other services, it is a good time to ask your doctor about the most important steps to take for a woman of your age. After 35 years old it is usually recommended that you get a mammogram regularly.
Abnormal Bleeding
Cuts and scrapes that don’t clot easily are cause for concern. Blood in the stool, urine, or bleeding between menstruation cycles are signs that something is clearly wrong. While it is easy to pass off between period bleeding as spotting caused by hormones, it is better to be sure that this is truly the case if it seems to be happening with regularity. Any abnormal bleeding can be an indication that cancer is possible. A doctor visit is the only way to get a complete diagnosis. You may have to endure a series of tests to discover the true cause of the problem and get the treatments that you need. Issues caught early on are easier to treat, and there can be greater chances of a cure if it is some cancer. Bleeding can sometimes be more serious than it seems to you so never hesitate to seek attention from a medical professional.
Excessive Bloating
Some bloating is normal during certain time periods such as menstruation or other times when hormones come into play. Medications can cause bloating as a side effect. Overindulging in food or beverage can cause occasional bloating as well. If bloating seems to be frequently occurring, then there may be an underlying cause for this. Ovarian cancer can sometimes be lurking behind symptoms such as bloat, so any chronic bloating is a reason to be concerned. Sometimes bloating is accompanied by levels of pain that can be debilitating. Signs of bloat are clothing feeling tighter or a puffed out appearance in the stomach. Burping, belching, and the hiccups can also occur if you are having a lot of stomach related issues. If your weight suddenly shoots up then, you might be retaining water and bloating. Weighing yourself at least once a week can help you notice any weight changes more readily.
Hard To Heal Sores
Moles, bruises, cuts, etc. that do not clot or heal as they could be a sign of cancer. Oral cancers can manifest themselves as sores that just don’t go away. These can be painful, or you may not even notice them. Skin cancers are often treatable if caught in the beginning stages of cancer. If moles appear to ooze or bleed, then you should get a thorough skin examination promptly. Wearing sunscreen can help prevent skin cancers and changes, but sometimes problems can be inherited or a result of environmental pollution and toxins. Medications can change the way you heal so make sure to mention this if you seek the help of a specialist. Avoid scratching and keep any areas of concern as clean as possible to avoid the change of infection. Large sores should be covered until you can get to the doctor.
Prolonged Coughing
Colds and flu can cause coughing, but if it continues for several weeks, this could be a sign of lung cancers or leukemia. Some people with cancer have coughs that appear to get better and then return violently. This cough cycle is a major cause of concern. There are plenty of things that can cause a cough and the only way to get a proper diagnosis is to go to a qualified physician. Coughing can be a sign of a major allergy that can be easily treated. Wet coughing is indicative of colds and flu while a chronic dry cough can mean other things. Shortness of breath and coughing can be a real problem for those that work with others a lot of handle machinery.
Overly Tired
There is no doubt that the busy world we live in can take its toll. Work, school, kids, and other obligations can leave you feeling exhausted at times. If being tired has become a common thing in your life regardless of how much rest, you are getting then there may be an underlying medical reason for this. A lot of cancer patients know that something is wrong when they just don’t have the energy to get through the day without being consistently exhausted. If you are tired, it can be devastating to all aspects of your life. Family obligations can be hard to fulfill if you don’t have the energy to inject into the situation. Being too tired is dangerous to you and those around you because you are not as able to react quickly. Chronic fatigue sufferers that have operated machinery should get medical attention immediately before serious injury occurs.
Any Changes In Skin
 Your skin is a good indicator of health. Marks and blemishes can create tissue that is prone to cancers. You should examine yourself for moles and other skin features. Any changes in the shape, size, or appearance of a mole or mark should be duly noted and examined. This can be time-consuming, but many skin cancers can be cured less painfully and at a low cost if caught early on. Chronic dryness, peeling, bleeding, and other abnormalities can mean that something else is wrong besides some winter time rough skin. Avoid getting too much exposure to sunlight. While being outside is healthy and good you should wear a good sunscreen. Even in the winter months, you can get damage from UV rays. Sunscreen should be reapplied several times during the day if your exposure level is high or you are perspiring a lot. Some people choose to be proactive and have moles removed before they show any signs of danger.
Stomach Pains
Chronic nausea, pains, and heartburn can be symptoms of several different cancers. If you don’t have cancer, it is still worth seeking treatment and getting your life back on track. Acid reflux and other conditions can lead to more serious health problems, including cancer later in life. Medications you may be taking can contribute to nausea so be sure to discuss this possibility with your doctor. If pain ever becomes sharp or stabbing, you should seek immediate attention as this could be a sign that things are more serious than you might think. Heartburn that doesn’t respond to over the counter treatments and diet changes could be masking a more serious condition. Acid from chronic heartburn and acid reflux can cause damage to your esophageal lining which means you are more prone to further problems, even cancer. A major diet change is often part of any treatment for this type of distress.
Difficulty In Swallowing
Various things can make it difficult to swallow at times however if it has become a consistent problem there may be an underlying cause. Some medications can cause difficultly when swallowing. It is a very common side effect for those that are suffering from allergic reactions to experience some swallowing difficulties. Lung cancer, esophageal, and throat cancers all cause swallowing difficulties during even the early stages. If you are having trouble swallowing and ever feel very short of breath, this is a major sign that something is not right. Any other changes should be noted such as if you find lumps or sores in your throat. A sore throat and trouble swallowing that doesn’t improve within a few days mean you should no longer avoid seeking medical attention.
Running A Fever
Fevers are your body’s immune system response to infections and other illnesses. At some point, you have likely had a fever just from catching viruses and illnesses in the work or school setting. Chronically occurring fevers or those that reach above 100 degrees are indicative of an underlying condition such as cancer or other serious disease. Blood cancer, for example, can make it hard for cells to replenish themselves and thus cause a fever. Any fever is a warning sign, especially if it doesn’t go away quickly and you don’t feel any better. Fever is something that should be taken very seriously because high temperatures that rage can cause major damage to parts of your body. If temperature shoots up, then go straight to an emergency room or 24-hour clinic. Fever can cause irrational thoughts and actions so those with a fever can seem disoriented or forgetful.
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