General Cancer Information

While no particular symptom proves cancer (only analyzing a tissue specimen can) there are "warning signs" that should motivate a person to see their doctor, either for cancer or another possible disease. This is especially true if the person it at increased risk for cancer (as described above). For instance, a heavy smoker develops a chronic cough, or if someone who's mother died of breast cancer notices a new breast lump, they shouldn't delay in seeking treatment. Delay in getting diagnosed and treated is the leading reason for cancer deaths, since the majority of cancers can be cured if caught early enough! Concerning symptoms include:

1) A skin sore that won't heal, has uneven borders, or a purple color. This is very worrisome for skin cancer especially in light skinned people, or if it arises from a previous mole or skin blemish.

2) Persistent bleeding without a clear explanation, such as coughing up blood ("hemoptysis"), seeing it in the urine or stool, or vaginal bleeding after menopause in an older woman. It is important to know that blood in the stool may that comes from the intestines may not be bright red, but instead black, tarry and sticky. With chronic slow bleeding, patients get iron deficiency anemia which shows as paleness and being constantly tired. It's worrisome for cancer in the digestive, urinary, or reproductive organs.

3) An unrelenting cough, especially in a smoker, that does not clear with antibiotics after several weeks. This demands that a chest X-Ray be done, to check for a possible pneumonia or lung cancer.

4) A sensation of "hang-up" on swallowing, feeling that the food is not going down smoothly, first with solids and eventually even with liquids. This can suggest a tumor in the esophagus.

5) A new or growing lump or bump in the beast. All women should do monthly breast self exam (7 days after their menstrual period if menstruating) and get a yearly mammogram after age 40. The chance of getting breast cancer increases with age. . 6) A new lump felt by a man in his scrotum. It is recommended that men do "testicular self exam" monthly, as swellings there can indicate testicular cancer. Younger men are at higher risk for this cancer.

7) Any unexplained new swelling anywhere on the body, especially if it is persistent and grows. Know that cancerous swellings are usually not painful, but may be if they invade a nerve. Chronic mouth sores must be brought to a dentist's attention, especially in people who drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes.

8) Chronic headaches, especially in the morning that get worse each day. Obviously visual blurring, limb numbness or weakness, or new seizures must be promptly evaluated to rule out a brain tumor.

9) Persistent fatigue, paleness, or easy bruising (especially little purple dots on the abdomen or limbs (called "petechia") are suggestive of leukemia or lymphoma.

10) Unexplained depression may herald cancer, such as pancreas or bowel cancer. Recall that depressed patients are more likely to develop cancers.