When your body is not performing well then, you are more likely to feel tired and run down. If you are getting enough rest and eating well but experience weakness or feelings of not having any energy, then you should see a doctor discover the cause of the problem even if you are showing no other symptoms. A low red blood cell count can leave your body tired and is a sign of stomach cancer or leukemia. You may feel out of breath because you are not getting enough oxygen to parts of your body due to the low red blood cell count.
Major Weight Change
Losing or gaining a lot of weight without any major outside changes in your life is a sign that something is out of balance in your body chemistry. A large weight gain may mean that you are retaining water in your body. This water retention is sometimes caused by tumors. Weight loss can occur if you have cancer and your body tries to fight back and produces cytokines as a by-product. This reduces appetite and can lead to substantial weight loss. Keeping a bathroom scale and weighing yourself weekly can help you keep track of weight and notice any dramatic changes more readily. Just looking in the mirror doesn’t always tell the whole story.
Shortness Of Breath
It is normal to get somewhat out of breath during vigorous exercise and other activities however if you find that it is becoming easier for this to happen, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. This shortness of breath can be due to a lack of oxygen in your blood. When you don’t have enough red blood cells, then your body simply cannot get the amount of oxygen needed to perform as it should. Feeling weak and short of breath is an all too common sign of cancer. When you have to take more breaths to do a job you can be left wheezing and even somewhat dizzy.
Coughing or Hoarse
Any a cough that lasts for more than a few days is cause for concern. If a cough comes and goes but is very frequent and cyclical, then this is a sign of cancers. Lung cancer sometimes first is known when the sufferer develops a cough. A sore throat that doesn’t go away or develops sores is an indicator for throat cancers. If you find yourself hoarse and losing your voice with greater frequency, realize that that is never a normal sign. Coughing that leaves you feeling weak and out of breath is a major cause for concern as it can affect your safety when driving or working around others.
Blood During Elimination
If you see blood in your stool or urine, you should never ignore it. Abnormal bleeding is indicative of tumors and other diseases. Colon and rectal cancer cause bleeding that are usually first noticeable in the bathroom. At the very least blood can be a sign that you have an infection that needs to be treated. Any blood coming from somewhere it should not is cause for concern. Women sometimes experience some bleeding between menstruation cycles or due to hormonal forms of birth control. Be sure to get to a doctor immediately if bleeding is suddenly severe. Medications can cause color changes in human waste so be sure to let a doctor know if you are taking any over the counter or prescription medicines that they might not be aware of.
Changes In Skin
Most skin blemishes are harmless, but occasionally one starts to change. This can be a sign of skin cancer. Moles and freckles can be removed and most skin cancers or pre-cancerous growths can be removed quickly. The most important thing is to make a note of any skin characteristics you have that could turn into a problem. If you do this, then you will notice more easily when changes occur. Changes in the color or shape of a mole need to be looked at by a doctor, so treatment is prompt. Bleeding or oozing are serious signs. Wearing sunscreen and not scratching at moles can help prevent problems from ever occurring.
Unexplained Lumps
Fluid retention and tumors are often a symptom of cancer. Swelling can start in the abdomen and fluid can find its way into the legs, hands, feet, and even head. While fluid pills can reduce retention, they will do nothing to treat the cause of the fluid build-up. Some medications can cause these symptoms, so they are not a 100% indicator of cancer. Hard lumps can be tumors or other growths. The softer areas of your body such as the breasts and genitals are areas where any lumps are of particular concern. Swelling can also indicate heart disease, hardening of the arteries, and liver damage.
Frequent Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common ailments, but they are also a sign of other problems in some cases. If you start getting more and more frequent headaches, then a trip to your doctor may be what is best. A few days of a headache is one thing, but if it goes on for more than a week, then you may have a more serious problem to deal with. Migraines are a condition all to themselves, but you will need a doctor to tell you if this is the case for you. Headaches that come and go very often should be taken seriously as well.
Sores That Don’t Heal
A healthy person has no trouble with blood clotting or sores healing. Bleeding and oozing pimples, sores, freckles, etc. should be looked at promptly if they show no sign of improvement. More serious infections can occur if problems are ignored. Sores can be deeper and more serious than you might think. The longer a problem is ignored, the more serious it can become. White patches in your mouth that look like sores can point to cancer of the mouth. Track any changes in any feature of your skin that appears not right. Skin cancer occurs in people of all ages and body types. You don’t have to spend a lot of time in the sun to fall victim to a mole change.
Frequent Fevers
Your body gets a fever to an immune system response to something being wrong. If fevers are frequent, then this means your body is in defense mode. The cause of your fever may be an infection due to a suppressed immune system. Fevers can be very serious, especially when they shoot to over 100 degrees. Your doctor can best diagnose the cause of frequent fevers, but you may have to take part in some extensive tests. Fever can result in disorientation and changes in the way you act. Severe fevers can cause permanent damage to your body, so it is important to get checked out quickly if your temp shoots up.
Yellowing Eyes And Skin
Changes in the skin are serious and should never be ignored. Your skin and eyes are like a canvas in that they are good indicators of your overall health and well-being. There are many different illnesses that can cause color changes in the skin and eye areas. Liver issues including liver cancer are one of the most common causes of yellowing of the eyes. This condition occurs because when the liver cannot eliminate toxins, there is a build up of the substance that is responsible for the color of bile. When this is in high levels in the bloodstream, it will cause skin and eyes to turn disturbingly yellow. Cirrhosis of the liver or damage from hepatitis infection is common causes of jaundice.
Swallowing Issues
A common cold or similar can cause swallowing issues, however, swallowing difficulties that are becoming more frequent are a real cause for concern. Throat cancers and even lung cancer can cause difficulty in swallowing. Weight loss and the inability to keep food down are additional warming signs you should be on the lookout for. Your doctor may wish to screen you for several types of cancer if swallowing issues continue to be something you are experiencing. If swallowing trouble is part of a series of symptoms such as shortness of breath or lack of energy then even if it is the first time you have experienced difficulty swallowing it is well worth the time and money to see a doctor.
Bloating
Many of us experience bloat at one time or another however if you are experiencing it very often you should be asking yourself why you are. Bloat can mean that fluid is building up in your body as a result of a tumor and cancer. This fluid can spread throughout your body and cause massive weight gain. Bloating can be a sign of many different cancers, and only your doctor can diagnose you properly. Medications and hormones can contribute to bloating issues. Ovarian cancer frequently appears with bloating as one of the most noticeable side effects. If you have experienced a lot of bloat over the last few weeks, then get some help getting it under control.
Changes To The Voice
A deeper or raspier voice that is not related to a cold or flu virus could be a sign of throat or lung cancer. Even if you don’t smoke, it is possible to develop cancers of the throat and lungs. If you are a smoker, then a raspier voice may be a sign that you finally need to seriously give up the habit. Women that develop ovarian cancer sometimes have dramatic voice changes due to the changes in hormone levels caused by the disease. If others start commenting on your voice, then you may consider getting your condition looked at by an expert that can help determine the cause of your symptoms.
Legs That Swell
Fluid retention from tumors and cancer can lead to severe swelling in the legs and feet. Pain and unusual discharge may indicate kidney or cervical cancers. Swelling that makes clothing and shoes not fit is considered excessive and should be looked at immediately for a diagnosis. Swelling legs can also be a sign of cardiac troubles. Heart attack symptoms and cancer symptoms are sometimes the same or very similar. Your doctor may prescribe medications to decrease fluid build up and advise you to changes in your diet. This is important to making sure that fluid doesn’t inhibit your ability to walk and get around. Sitting too much can increase fluid retention and cause further health issues.
Sweating At Night
Getting too hot while sleeping is something most people experience occasionally at least in the summer months. If you find yourself waking up at night with clammy skin or drenched in sweat, then you may be coming down with or already suffering from an illness. It is important to document how often this occurs. Cancer of the lymph glands has night sweats as a side effect but of course, night sweats can be caused by many other illnesses. Severe stress and anxiety can be causes of the excessive night sweating. If other side effects accompany your night sweats, then you need to consider this and what it says about your health.
Heartburn
Your diet can have a major effect on your overall health and well-being. Sometimes acid reflux or indigestion is a sign that changes are needed. Frequent symptoms can point to a more serious condition and should be treated. Even if it is your diet, it is better to know sooner rather than later. When cancers are caught early on they can be more easily treated. Severe heartburn can be chest pains or discomfort that is characteristic of cancer or cardiac stress. Getting an accurate diagnosis will help make sure that you are not trying to treat the wrong thing.
Loosing Bladder Control
Frequent trips to the bathroom or always feeling like you have to go can be signs of cancer. Frequent urination can cause a lot of problems during the day. If you are losing control of your bladder entirely than you should definitely seek professional advice as soon as possible. The appearance of your urine is another important deciding factor. Changes in color should be noted. Some people experience the feeling that they can be never empty their bladder or have trouble getting started when they feel the urge to urinate. Keep in mind that if you take over the counter medicines such as AZO for urinary problems, it may change the color.
Migrating Belly Pain
If you experience pain, that feels as if it moves from your belly to your back then it may be a sign that your pancreas is not working properly. Pancreatic cancer can go unnoticed until the person suffering from it starts to have pains. If your pain is occurring along with other symptoms such as nausea, bladder pain, or faintness, then there is further cause for concern, and you should see a medical professional immediately. Changes in skin tone and eyes are another sign that a cancer screening is in your best interest. Sharp pain that leaves you short of breath is extremely serious and requires immediate medical attention.
Major Vision Changes
Dizziness and double vision are major signs that something is wrong. Seeing spots or colors that are not there signify that you need to have a check-up to determine the cause. Some medications can cause vision problems so make sure your doctor is completely aware of any vitamins, supplements, and medications you take. Sometimes the combination of many different substances can cause vision changes, and you might not be aware of the interactions that can occur. Brain tumors and eye cancers manifest themselves in the guise of vision changes during the early stages. Changes can occur gradually and not be as noticeable as you might think. This is but one reason an annual eye exam is recommended by medical professionals, especially if you already wear glasses or have experienced vision issues in the past.
Repeated Infections
If you experience frequent infections, this can signify that something is wrong with your immune system. Even recurrent yeast infections in women can mean that cancer is a possibility. There are instances where getting a few infections is simply bad luck, but if it is starting to be so frequent that it is interfering a lot with your life, then you should seek the advice of your general doctor. Your job and other environmental factors may be leaving your prone to infection so regardless of the reason for the infection, learning how to prevent them is well worth the time spent getting an expert opinion.
