Recognizing Early Warning Signs: Detecting Both Common and Rare Cancer Symptoms

Last Updated:November 06, 2024, 21:49 IST

Trust your instincts and seek a medical opinion on time; also, make it a regular habit to undergo check-ups so that one can have the best chances of beating cancer in its earliest stages.

Cancer is one of the health conditions that prove very difficult to cure, but it is early detection that enhances the success rate of treatments. Recognising the early warning signs of cancer can help save lives, although the symptoms are wide-ranging based on the type and location of the disease. Dr Deepak Jha, Chief-Breast Surgery & Sr. Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Artemis Hospital shares all you need to know.

Unexplained weight loss, fatigue that does not seem to end, and pain are the most common signs of cancer. Some cancers also cause a change in the skin appearance or moles. Even some early-stage cancers may show unusual bleeding or persistent coughs. Such symptoms can be dismissed as minor issues but should not be neglected if they last for quite a long time.

Some cancers can have rare symptoms, which can make it more challenging to detect them at an early stage. For instance, jaundice or dark urine might be the only symptoms before the patient complains of pain from pancreatic cancer. Ovarian cancer can cause bloating or changes in bowel habits. Brain tumours may result in unexplained headaches, changes in vision, or even personality changes. Such signs do not necessarily indicate cancer but are essential signs that a doctor should investigate.

The essence of the fight against cancer is awareness. Early detection enables effective treatment and thus boosts survival rates. No single symptom indicates cancer, so learn to trust your body and see a doctor when these signs are seen. Routine screenings and health checks increase the possibility of discovering cancer in its most treatable early stages.

In short, early detection of cancer significantly improves the rate of success in treatment. Never neglect any unusual body changes; it may indicate something is amiss. Trust your instincts and seek a medical opinion on time; also, make it a regular habit to undergo check-ups so that one can have the best chances of beating cancer in its earliest stages.