Cancer is a common but severe disease that affects both men and women. The most common types of cancer that affect women are breast cancer, endometrial cancer, skin cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and colorectal cancer. Women must stay aware of cancer symptoms and tips to prevent them.
It’s also essential to undergo regular cancer screening so that it helps with early detection and treatment.
Here are a few signs of cancer in women that one shouldn’t ignore.
- Irregular Vaginal Bleeding – A majority of the women who have endometrial cancer suffer from unusual vaginal bleeding. If a woman has already gone through menopause, any spotting or bleeding should be evaluated immediately. If she has not undergone menopause yet, consulting a gynaecologist is important for heavy bleeding between periods or bleeding during sexual intercourse. This could indicate vaginal or cervical cancer.
- Prolonged Coughing – If one has been suffering from continuous cough for more than 3 to 4 weeks, she should consult a doctor for lung and throat check-ups.
- Vaginal Discharge with Blood Spots: Smelly, dark or bloody discharge is generally an infection symptom. Sometimes, it is also likely to be a warning sign of vaginal, endometrial or cervical cancer.
- Fatigue – If anyone experiences fatigue for unknown reasons, it could indicate symptoms of blood cancer in females. Stomach and colon cancer could also lead to fatigue in women.
- Unexplained Fever – Fever for no known reason, could be a sign of lymphomas or leukaemia. Consult a doctor at the earliest in case you notice yellow skin or stool of a different colour.
- Changes in Breasts: Women can usually detect breast cancer signs by themselves while doing daily activities like bathing. Look out for lumps in the armpit or breasts. Be alert for changes in the feel and look of the breasts or any abnormalities in the nipple area.
- Spots or Patches – White spots on the tongue or white patches in the mouth can be symptoms of oral cancer, especially if one is a smoker.
- Persistent & Unknown Indigestion Problem – Digestion problems without any reason should get checked. It can be an early symptom of throat, stomach, or oesophagus cancer.
Look out for any of these symptoms that get better with treatment and go for cancer screening if required.
