Successful cancer treatment begins with early detection. Unfortunately, many people have a tendency to ignore the early warning signs of many common types of cancer. Men are notoriously more prone to ignore their symptoms, and to postpone going to a doctor for a diagnosis. That being said, women are not completely innocent of the habit. Sometimes it’s due to fear, and sometimes it’s simply denial. Younger women are particularly prone to ignore cancer symptoms, assuming that cancer is a disease that only affects older women. Whatever the reasons, it is clear that ignoring early warning signs of cancer is a mistake, and one that can have devastating consequences. To maintain their total health, it is vital that women keep in touch with their bodies and recognize when something is amiss. Here are some common cancer symptoms that women should not be ignoring.
Unexpected Weight Loss
Everyone would like to lose a few pounds, but an unexpected weight loss may be a sign of a serious health disorder. For example, losing 8 to 10 pounds over the course of a month, without any dieting or increase of exercise, may be indicative of a number of disorders, including an overactive thyroid or a possible cancer. It may also be a reaction to stress, or other lifestyle factors. Either way, any unexpected weight loss could be a symptom of cancer, or another serious health condition, and should not be ignored.
Bloating
Bloating is not uncommon, and many women simply assume that it is always natural. But extended periods of bloating, recurring for a few weeks or more, may indicate a more serious condition. Persistent bloating, particularly when coupled with abdominal or pelvic pain, may be an early symptom of ovarian cancer.
Changes in Breast Tissue
By now, most women have learned how important self-examinations are in the early detection of breast cancer. But lumps in the breast aren’t the only symptoms with which women should be concerned. Changes in the size or shape of the nipple, or an unusual discharge when not breast feeding, may also be early warning signs of breast cancer. Likewise, a persistent rash, or a thickening of the skin of the breast, could be indicative of inflammatory breast cancer, which is a rare but highly aggressive form of the disease. Again, these are symptoms which should not be ignored. This article on breast cancer describes natural prevention in greater depth.
Changes in Skin Texture
Again, most people know that skin cancer can be preceded by an unexpected change in any moles they may have on their bodies. But there are other symptoms of skin cancer that women should take note of, as they may be early warning signs for skin cancer. Watch for any sign of change in skin pigmentation or texture. Persistent rashes, thickening of the skin, or excessive scaling could also be early signs of skin cancer.
Between Period Bleeding
Many women tend to ignore any instances of between period bleeding. But and bleeding, or spotting, between periods may be an early sign of many types of gynecological cancer. It is important for women to understand what is normal for them, and to take note of any aberrations. For example, if you never spot in between periods, and suddenly you do spot, it may indicate that there is a problem and you should see your health care provider. Postmenopausal women who experience bleeding or spotting may be an early sign of endometrial cancer.
Being aware of your body, and of what is normal and abnormal for it, is the first step towards the early detection of cancer. And early detection is the first step in the successful treatment of all cancers. Cancer grows in an abnormal environment. This can be a toxic or deficient environment physically or a stressful mental/emotional environment. If you have any of these signs it does not mean you have cancer but what it does mean is that it is time to work on your health at a much higher level. It is important that women are better able to recognize when their body has strayed from the healthy path and know how to take the actions steps necessary to restore their total health.
