World Cancer Day is a day to raise awareness about cancer, its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It is observed annually on February 4th. Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for over 9.6 million deaths in 2018.
Identifying cancer in its early stage is critical for successful treatment. However, many people overlook the early symptoms of cancer, and thus, fail to avail correct treatment. This article will discuss some of the silent symptoms of cancer.
Types of Cancers
There are over 100 types of cancers, and each type exhibits different symptoms. Some of the common types of cancers include:.
- Breast Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Melanoma
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
Symptoms of Cancer
The symptoms of cancer vary depending on the type of cancer. Some cancers exhibit no symptoms at the early stages, making diagnosis difficult. However, some of the common symptoms of cancer include:.
- Persistent Cough
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Fatigue
- Blood in Urine or Stool
- Unusual Lumps, Bumps, or Swelling
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Change in Bowel Habits
- Chronic Pain in Bones or Joints
- Skin Changes, including Sores that don’t heal
- Unexpected Changes in Moles
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects the breast tissue. Although breast cancer mostly affects women, men can also get it. Some of the silent symptoms of breast cancer include:.
- Painless, hard lump in the breast, underarm, or collarbone area
- Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast such as swelling or dimpling
- Inverted nipple or discharge from the nipple
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that affects the lungs. It is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Some of the silent symptoms of lung cancer include:.
- Persistent cough that doesn’t go away
- Blood in the cough
- Chest pain that gets worse with deep breathing or coughing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland in men. Some of the silent symptoms of prostate cancer include:.
- Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Blood in urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine. Some of the silent symptoms of colon cancer include:.
- Blood in stools or rectal bleeding
- Change in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency that lasts more than a few days
- Abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating
- Unexplained weight loss
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is a type of cancer that affects the liver. Some of the silent symptoms of liver cancer include:.
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the abdomen or legs
- Fever
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Some of the silent symptoms of leukemia include:.
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Repeated infections
- Bruising or easy bleeding
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck and armpit
- Bone pain
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymph system, which is a part of the immune system. Some of the silent symptoms of lymphoma include:.
- Painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Fever or chills
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy skin
Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of cancer that affects the skin cells that produce pigment. Some of the silent symptoms of melanoma include:.
- A change in an existing mole
- A dark streak under a nail
- A new pigmented growth on the skin
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- A lump or thickening on the skin
- Redness or swelling beyond the border of a mole or freckle
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that affects the pancreas. Some of the silent symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:.
- Upper abdominal pain that may extend to the back
- Unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that affects the ovaries. Some of the silent symptoms of ovarian cancer include:.
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
- Pain in the abdomen or pelvis
- Back pain
- Indigestion or nausea
- Change in bowel movements
- Fatigue
- Pain during sex
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that affects the bladder. Some of the silent symptoms of bladder cancer include:.
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Feeling the need to urinate without results
- Back pain
Conclusion
Cancer can affect anyone, at any age, and it is important to be aware of the symptoms of different cancers so that an early diagnosis can be made. The silent symptoms of cancer often go unnoticed, and hence regular check-ups become essential.
By being mindful of our body, we can detect the symptoms of cancer before it’s too late. On world cancer day, let us pledge to raise awareness about cancer and work towards its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.