5 Early Signs to Know about Different Types of Cancer -Dr Anadi Pachaury

It is a concerning matter that India's cancer number and cancer mortality rate are rising. According to the National Institute of Health, in 2022 alone, 14,61,427 new cancer cases were diagnosed. Since these numbers keep on increasing, it has become even more important to raise awareness about early detection and early signs of cancer.

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control and start forming a lesion. It can involve any part of the body.

Though signs of cancer depend on the organ of origin, generally, one should be alert if he or she notices a sore that does not heal with normal treatment, unusual bleeding or discharge, thickening or lump anywhere in the body, indigestion or difficulty in swallowing, obvious change in colour or texture of wart or mole, nagging cough or hoarseness of voice. These features usually represent the initial presenting features of a cancer.

5 early signs that could hold the key to early intervention for a variety of cancers:

• Unwanted weight loss: Sudden weight loss, especially when not done along with dietary changes or increased exercise, is a sign of danger. It could be a sign your body is using its tissues for energy, a hallmark of many cancers.
• Persistent fatigue: Continued tiredness that stays even after taking complete rest and sleep is another sign of underlying diseases and problems. Cancer leaves your body completely drained, leaving you feeling tired and weak.
• Lumps or skin changes: Keep an eye on any new lumps or changes in the skin. New or growing lumps and changes in texture, especially painless and persistent ones, need medical attention. These generally indicate an underlying skin cancer problem.
• Random pain: Always pay attention to any pain that you feel. Persistent pain that doesn't go away with remedies worsens at any part of the day or interferes with daily activities and needs a doctor's attention. It could be a tumour pressing on nerves, causing pain, and obstructing your daily functioning.
• Unusual body changes: unusual bleeding or discharge, difficulty swallowing, persistent hoarseness, or changes in bowel habits could be signs of various cancers. Therefore, paying attention to your body's signal is significantly important.

These signs point out many types of cancer affecting the lungs, stomach, breasts, liver, kidneys, and other parts of the body as well. Therefore, early detection and immediate medical attention are important for successful treatment.

Treatment options:

While a cancer diagnosis is difficult for patients, advancements in diagnosis and treatment offer comfort and hope. Depending on the cancer type and stage, different surgical procedures can be recommended, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.

Preventive measures:

Early diagnosis means less invasive and more effective treatment options, so while treatment options offer a cancer cure, it is important to practice preventive measures as well. Some practices that can help prevent cancer include:

• Various kinds of cancer have been associated with the condition of obesity. As a result, people are encouraged to manage body weight through proper, balanced diets and constant exercise.
• Consumption of a balanced diet is loaded with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoiding manufactured foods, high-sugar drinks, and excess red meat.
• Exercise has always been and will continue to be a beneficial habit for any health risk, regardless of the type of cancer. Thus, get at least a thirty-minute exercise for most days of the week.
• Quit smoking and cut back on alcohol to reduce your cancer risk. Both substances contain cancer-causing elements, making it essential to take these steps for prevention.
• Various cancer screening methods are available for different cancers, like mammography for breast cancer, Pap smear for cervical cancer and colonoscopy for colon cancer. A person should follow screening methods as per their age for the detection of cancer in the early stage when it is maximally curable.
• Vaccines are available for some cancers, like the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer and the HBV vaccine for Liver cancer. Persons should be vaccinated for these.
• Long-term stress weakens the immunity of your body and makes you vulnerable to cancer. Often, relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation, as well as almost any activity that reduces your stress, are instrumental remedies to this problem.

Early detection saves lives. Take action when you feel like your body is trying to give any signal and don't hesitate to seek medical help. While some cancers might require surgery to remove tumours, early detection often allows for less invasive procedures like targeted therapy or medication.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Medical Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Medical Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.