15 common warning signs of cancer

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was consulted with Dr. To Kim Sang - Oncology Center, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Cancer often has no specific symptoms, so for prevention and early detection, people need to limit risk factors and implement appropriate cancer screening measures. Here are 15 warning signs of cancer that each person needs to pay attention to for timely examination.

1. Signs of changes in the skin

A new mole on the skin or a mole that changes size, shape, or color can be a sign of skin cancer. If you have any abnormalities on your skin, see your doctor to have these moles examined and biopsied.

2. Persistent cough warns of lung cancer

A persistent cough often occurs when a person has Postnasal Drip, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or an infection. But if the cough is accompanied by blood and persists (especially if you are a smoker), go to a medical facility for a health check. Your doctor will take mucus from your lungs for testing, and take a low-dose chest X-ray or CT scan of your lungs to screen for lung cancer.

See More: Lung cancer screening package

3. Breast changes

Most breast changes are not cancerous. However, for women, it is still necessary to regularly check for signs of changes in the breast by standing in front of a mirror. Seek medical attention if you notice any lumps, nipple discharge, redness, thickening or pain in your breasts.
The doctor will examine and perform diagnostic tests and imaging techniques such as: mammography, ultrasound of the breast, MRI or biopsy.

4. Go to the doctor if your stomach is often full

Normally, you can also experience bloating due to diet or stress. But if these symptoms don't go away on their own or you feel fatigued with other symptoms like unexplained weight loss or back pain, see your doctor to find out the cause. Persistent bloating in women can be a sign of ovarian cancer.

See more: Time to screen for ovarian cancer

5. Trouble urinating

Men may experience urinary problems as they get older such as:
Urinating more; Intermittent urination or weak urine stream. Usually, these are signs of an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. Therefore, you need to see your doctor for an examination and a quantitative PSA blood test to screen for prostate cancer.

See More: Prostate cancer screening package

6. Swollen lymph nodes

Normally, when infected, the lymph nodes will enlarge, indicating that the body is fighting an infectious agent such as a cold or sore throat. However, in some cancers, such as lymphoma, leukemia, or cancer from another site that has spread to the lymph nodes, it can also cause this condition.

7. Blood after urinating

If you see blood after having a bowel movement, go to a medical facility, because this could be due to hemorrhoids or colorectal cancer. If blood is present in the urine, it may be due to a urinary tract infection or cancer of the prostate, kidney, or bladder.

8. Testicular changes

Testicular abnormalities that men may notice include a lump or swelling. Painless lumps are the most common sign of testicular cancer. Sometimes, the person may only have a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen or scrotum, which is larger than before.

9. Difficulty swallowing is a warning sign of cancer

Difficulty swallowing symptoms can occur due to many different causes such as gastroesophageal reflux, narrowing of the esophagus, pressure from outside into the esophagus or even certain medications can also make it difficult for you to swallow. But if this symptom doesn't go away after you get better or stop taking these medications, you need to see a doctor to find out the cause. Difficulty swallowing can also be a sign of cancer of the pharynx or esophagus. Your doctor will do an exam and may do some tests, such as an ENT, upper gastrointestinal tract, or ultrasound/CT scan to evaluate for possible causes of difficulty swallowing.

10. Unusual Vaginal Bleeding

Irregular bleeding between menstrual periods or bleeding outside of periods can have many causes such as fibroids, birth control methods, certain other gynecological conditions or even cancer. Gynecological cancers (endometrial, cervical, vaginal, etc.).
Therefore, if you have abnormal bleeding between two menstrual periods, after sex or do not stop, you need to go to a medical facility specializing in gynecology for medical examination. Your doctor will examine you and perform tests to rule out cancer of the uterus, cervix, or vagina.

11. Having problems in the mouth

Most changes in the mouth (bad breath, mouth sores, swollen gums, etc.) are not serious. But if white or red sores in the mouth that don't heal after a few weeks, especially with smoking, this could be a sign of oral cancer. In addition, signs such as the appearance of tumors in the oral cavity, gums, difficulty in chewing or prolonged mouth pain are also suspicious signs that need to be checked to rule out oral cancer.

12. Unexplained weight loss

Weight loss can also occur if you change your diet or exercise or have other medical problems such as stress or thyroid disease. However, in the case of rapid weight loss, with no specific cause (exercise, dietary changes, etc.), it may be the first suspected sign of cancer such as: pancreatic cancer. , stomach, esophagus, lung, or other types of cancer.

13. Prolonged fever could be a warning sign that you have cancer

A fever is often a sign your body is fighting an infection or as a side effect of certain medications. But if the fever doesn't go away but persists and no obvious cause can be found, it could be a sign of blood cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma.

14. Heartburn

Almost everyone will experience burping from time to time after eating or due to stress. However, if lifestyle changes don't help and your heartburn still doesn't go away, your doctor may need to do some tests to find the cause and determine if it's a sign. signs of stomach cancer or not.

15. Prolonged fatigue

There are many causes that can make you very tired and most of them are not dangerous. But fatigue is one of the early signs of some cancers. Certain diseases, such as colorectal and stomach cancers, can cause blood loss that you can't see, leading to symptoms of fatigue. See your doctor if you feel extremely tired all the time, rest but don't feel well.
If you have unusual symptoms, you should be examined and consulted with a specialist.
>> See more: Ingredients and uses of functional foods Fucoidan - Article by Pharmacist Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa - Pharmacist Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital
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Article referenced source: Webmd.com