Cancer is one of the diseases that have been on the rise in the recent years. There are different types of cancer and this means that their signs and symptoms also vary depending on the area or body part that is prone to the disease. Just like any other disease early detection and diagnosis of cancer can assist in containing the disease in its early stages before spreading to other parts of the body. This is why awareness campaigns are carried out for people to take self tests as well as visit health facilities for them to know early enough whether they could be having a particular type of cancer or not. Here are some of the symptoms that should act as warning signs and which should be cleared by visiting a medical practitioner for verification purposes.

(a) A lump in the breast is one of the signs that women are advised to look at for at all times. This can be detected through self examination at home as long as you know how to do it. Any lump in the body which keeps growing should also be medically examined to rule out any chances of cancer disease.

(b) Persistent cough that lasts for over three weeks should be a reason for concern especially if you are under medication. This can be accompanied by chest pains and breathlessness. Though there are other diseases that exhibit the same signs and symptoms it is better to get thorough check ups

(c) Problems with the bowels should be checked as well especially in situations where there is constant bloating of the stomach, pain in the abdomen, constipation, diarrhea and traces of blood in your stool.

(d) Any signs of bleeding in between your menses for the women should be checked. The same goes for conditions where a person vomits or coughs blood or notices blood in the urine.

(e) Moles of any size should be brought to the attention of a physician who will be able to determine whether it is malignant or not. Do not assume it just because it is not itchy.

(f) If you notice a drastic change in your body weight it is important to ask a professional especially if it is not as a result of the exercise program you just started or stress.

(g) Difficulty in swallowing can be a symptom to other diseases but it should not be ignored because it could also be a sign of GI cancer.

Summary

The above mentioned symptoms may be shared by other types of ailments and diseases. This is why it is advisable to seek medical attention to know exactly the condition that you are suffering from. Do not administer self diagnosis and prescription because instead of making things better you could be making them worse. It is only a medic with the right qualification that can diagnose and recommend treatment for cancer.