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Photo by Amy Postle
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When it comes to aches, pains and other health problems, just because
something seems minor doesn't mean you shouldn't take it seriously. In
fact, new research finds that even common ailments can actually be the
first warning signs of cancer. In a survey
of 1,729 adults over the age of 50 in the U.K published in PLOS ONE,
respondents evaluated how serious they perceived a list of 17
ailments—10 of which were actually indicators of cancer. They also
indicated whether they'd experienced any of these symptoms recently and
if so, how they actually handled it.
Turns out, many people aren't paying as much attention to warning
signs as they could be, says study author Katriina Whitaker, a senior
research fellow from University College London. "Some people don't think
they [the symptoms] are serious, and cancer does not leap to mind."
While for the vast majority, "these warning signs will not indicate
cancer," Whitaker says. "For a few, they might, and so going to the
doctor sooner could save your life. If you have at least one of these
symptoms and it hasn't gone away, go to your GP for advice," Whitaker
says. Here are 10 symptoms to take seriously.
1. Lump or bumps It's best to have any strange
lumps checked out by a doctor. In the survey, 7.5% of people reported an
unexplained lump. While 67% did contact their doctors, 77% didn't think
it could be a sign of something more serious.
2. Cough/hoarseness
It's cold and flu season, so coughing can feel like a given. However, if your cough persists, though, it could indicate laryngeal, lung or thyroid cancer, or lymphoma. This was the most common symptom among survey participants. "We know coughs and colds are everywhere at the moment and we're not suggesting everyone with a cough goes to their doctor," Whitaker said. "But if you have a symptom that doesn't go away, or is unusual, don't be afraid to go to your doctor for advice."
It's cold and flu season, so coughing can feel like a given. However, if your cough persists, though, it could indicate laryngeal, lung or thyroid cancer, or lymphoma. This was the most common symptom among survey participants. "We know coughs and colds are everywhere at the moment and we're not suggesting everyone with a cough goes to their doctor," Whitaker said. "But if you have a symptom that doesn't go away, or is unusual, don't be afraid to go to your doctor for advice."
3. Change in bowel habits In Whitaker's study,
18% of people experienced changes in the timing, amount, or size of
their bowels. While these disruptions are usually caused by certain
foods or medication, if you notice it happens regularly over time it
could also be a sign of colon cancer.
4. Variation in bladder activity Because urinary
tract infections are common in women, this symptom is often disregarded
as just another UTI. But whether you're male or female, if you notice
blood in your urine, experience sudden urgency or feel pain while going,
definitely bring it up with your doctor to rule out cancers of the
bladder, kidney or prostate.
5. Unexplained pain Persistent pain is your body's way of signaling a problem, and that could be anything from nothing…to bone cancer or ovarian cancer.
The American Cancer Society says that pain from cancer typically means
it has spread…a good reason not to be a stoic and to make an appointment
with your physician. One striking finding from Whitaker's survey: only
about 40% of people in the study were even concerned that pain could be a
serious issue.
6. A long-lasting sore throat A sore throat may
be just another winter wow, but a persistent one could point to
something more severe, such as laryngeal cancer or throat cancer. Of those surveyed, nearly 78% didn't think throat woes were serious.
7. Unexplained weight loss The American Cancer Society
reports that unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more could be a
first sign of cancer. This warning sign is common in those with
pancreatic, stomach, lung, or esophageal cancers.
8. Difficulty swallowing Throat
constriction—while an uncommon symptom in this survey—could be a nervous
or immune system issue, or a harbinger conditions including cancer in
the esophagus, stomach or throat.
9. Bleeding Coughing up blood can signal lung
cancer; blood in the stool could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer.
Women who experience unexplained vaginal bleeding should be checked for
cervical or endometrial cancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple can
signal breast cancer,
while blood in the urine can mean you have bladder or kidney cancers.
Unusual bleeding can occur during any phase of cancer, and warrants a
visit to your doctor.
10. Changes in skin moles Of the 7% of
respondents that reported a change in a mole, freckle or wart's
appearance, only 47% contacted their doctors. What's more troubling,
however: more than 88% didn't think the symptom was serious, though it
could be indicative of skin cancer—many of which are treatable.
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