Do I have Cancer? | What are the signs our body shows during cancer?

Cancer stands to be the 2nd leading cause of death globally. About 20 million new cases of cancer and 9.7 million deaths due to cancer were reported in 2022.

Cancer generally refers to uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that destroys the normal cells and can spread in the whole body.

Here are 7 early signs that your body indicates when you have Cancer:

1. Rapid and Uncontrolled Weight Loss:

• You might experience a sudden and rapid weight loss of more than 5 kgs in a month, without doing and exercise or workout.

• Weight loss is not just a sign of cancer, but it can also happen due to other disease like diabetes, thyroid disorders, etc.

2. Changes in Skin Appearance:

• Your skin may look yellow, or get red or dark in colour, develop warts, moles that gets larger, and pigmentation or discoloration as a sign of cancer.

• It may also feel tight, warm and itchy due to changes occurring inside the body due to increased growth of cancer cells.

3. Formation of Lumps Under Skin:

• You might notice lumps in your breasts, or thickening of tissues under the skin

• The lumps can be felt easily, if you examine your breast regularly.

4. Flatulence:

• Flatulence or farts accompanied with pain and discomfort in stomach and last for longer period of time, and it is not caused by indigestion or any gastrointestinal issues or menstruation than, it could be a sign of cancer.

5. Wounds that don't heal:

• If you get a cut or any wound, on your body or including the tongue, gums or cheeks which is taking a longer time to heal,

• Then it might indicate the sign of cancer. Because whole body starts working to fight off cancer cells and keeping such wounds as minor problems.

6. Change in urine and stool:

• You might notice changes in urine color, smell, or find blood in urine and feel urgency to pee frequently and pain during urination. You might feel constipated or get diarrhea more often, then these can also be indicative signs of cancer.

7. Fatigue:

• You may feel tired all the time without even doing any activities, it may also be a sign of cancer. It happens because all of the energy and nutrients we get from our food is taken by the cancer cells for their growth and we don't feel energized.

Remember, these are the signs that may indicate sign of cancer but it can also be caused due to other diseases. So, it's better to get diagnosed your doctor for early treatment.

Source:-
1. Cancer Statistics - NCI. (n.d.). Cancer Statistics - NCI. Retrieved May 16, 2024, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics

2. Symptoms of Cancer - NCI. (2024, May 16). Symptoms of Cancer - NCI. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/symptoms

3. Scheel, B. I., & Holtedahl, K. (2015). Symptoms, signs, and tests: The general practitioner's comprehensive approach towards a cancer diagnosis. Scandinavian journal of primary health care, 33(3), 170–177. https://doi.org/10.3109/02813432.2015.1067512