Health

World Cancer Day: Spotting the Silent Symptoms of Cancer

This article talks about the silent symptoms of cancer that are often overlooked. It highlights the symptoms of some of the common types of cancers and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis

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:.

Related Article Discover Two “Silent Forms” of Cancer on World Cancer Day Discover Two “Silent Forms” of Cancer on World Cancer Day

  • 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.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.
Also check Breakthrough blood test detects breast cancer relapse Breakthrough blood test detects breast cancer relapse A tear can save your sight: Early diagnosis for glaucoma A tear can save your sight: Early diagnosis for glaucoma 70% of those diagnosed in time survive stomach cancer 70% of those diagnosed in time survive stomach cancer The facts about colon surgery prep and bowel cleaning The facts about colon surgery prep and bowel cleaning Biomarkers for Breast Cancer in Pre-Menopausal Women Biomarkers for Breast Cancer in Pre-Menopausal Women Three Proteins that Indicate Pancreatic Cancer in the Early Stages Three Proteins that Indicate Pancreatic Cancer in the Early Stages Why staying active could be key to living longer with colon cancer Why staying active could be key to living longer with colon cancer Typical complications from Crohn’s disease Typical complications from Crohn’s disease Can lactose intolerance reduce the risk of cancer? Can lactose intolerance reduce the risk of cancer? Breast Cancer Management: Neoplasms and Centers Database Breast Cancer Management: Neoplasms and Centers Database ICAP & Life: Raising Awareness Against Breast Cancer ICAP & Life: Raising Awareness Against Breast Cancer Top 8 Foods That Promote Pancreatic Wellness (With Photos) Top 8 Foods That Promote Pancreatic Wellness (With Photos) Research findings show possible connection between birth control pills and breast cancer Research findings show possible connection between birth control pills and breast cancer Colon Cancer Mortality: The Role of Exercise Colon Cancer Mortality: The Role of Exercise Why Colonoscopy Can Be Beneficial After 75 Why Colonoscopy Can Be Beneficial After 75 Understanding Prostate Cancer: Tips for Coping and Recovery Understanding Prostate Cancer: Tips for Coping and Recovery Conquering the Myriad Golgothas of Breast Cancer Conquering the Myriad Golgothas of Breast Cancer Aspirin and the prevention of intestinal polyps: What you need to know Aspirin and the prevention of intestinal polyps: What you need to know Maximize your diet to reduce your risk of Prostate Cancer Maximize your diet to reduce your risk of Prostate Cancer Stay One Step Ahead: Early Diagnosis of Rheumatical-Myosceletic Diseases Stay One Step Ahead: Early Diagnosis of Rheumatical-Myosceletic Diseases Sterile Women at Higher Risk of Developing Breast Cancer and Diabetes Sterile Women at Higher Risk of Developing Breast Cancer and Diabetes Can eating yogurt reduce your risk of colon cancer? Can eating yogurt reduce your risk of colon cancer? Eating Your Way to Breast Cancer? How Your Diet Can Affect Your Health Eating Your Way to Breast Cancer? How Your Diet Can Affect Your Health Adverse nutrition during adolescence and breast cancer Adverse nutrition during adolescence and breast cancer Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction After Prostate Cancer Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction After Prostate Cancer Positive Developments in Breast Cancer Research Positive Developments in Breast Cancer Research Postpartum depression predictor test for new mothers Postpartum depression predictor test for new mothers A Daily Habit to Keep Breast Cancer at Bay A Daily Habit to Keep Breast Cancer at Bay What part of your body can reveal Alzheimer’s risk? What part of your body can reveal Alzheimer’s risk? Decode Breast Cancer Symptoms with Lemons Decode Breast Cancer Symptoms with Lemons
To top