Get To Know Your Body: Spotting The First Signs Of Cancer
Did you know that almost 850,000 women are diagnosed with cancer in America each year. According to the American Cancer Society, there were over 7.6 million female cancer survivors in 2014. However, the reality remains that a large portion of those diagnosed lose their lives to this disease. While a small percentage is genetic, two thirds of cancer deaths are preventable. The key to this is early detection. Thanks to advancements in medicine and technology many types of cancer can be cured if detected at the right time. Many patients go on to lead a healthy life after their diagnosis.Take a look at some of the signs that can help women detect and get medical attention early.
Unexplained Weight Loss
If you have lost weight in the past few months without any changes to your routine or diet, this can be a signal of something more serious. Biologically, cancer cells feed on your energy supply thereby depleting your body’s sources. As a result, you lose weight. Unexplained weight loss along with nausea may be signs of liver cancerin older individuals. Other conditions that could explain the weight loss can be thyroid issues or gastroenteritis . If this is the case, then you should speak to your physician.
Skin changes
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in America. Getting to know your skin is a key part of knowing what is normal and what is not for your body. Get into the habit of checking your skin for new spots. Be sure to thoroughly check your entire body. Many have the common misconception that skin cancer can only occur in areas exposed to the sun. Even areas such as the soles of your feet are at risk.
Some changes to look for include moles that are itchy or that bleed, spots that changes colour from brown to black or that look different from others and a spot that may become raised or covers a lump under your skin. Changes in your skin pigmentation may also indicate cause for concern.
Changes in Your Lymph Nodes
Our lymph nodes are vital organs that produce and store white blood cells that help our bodies fight off diseases and infections. The nodes may also trap cancer cells. They can be found all over your body but the largest groupings are around your neck and armpits.
Swelling in your lymph nodes can sometimes be attributed to viral infections such as the common cold and flu. However, in some cases the swelling could be caused by cancerous cells. The key things to look out for are persistent swelling accompanied by other signs such as unexplained weight loss or night sweats. If these are present with no obvious signs of infection, contact your doctor right away.
Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes for deaths in the world today. However, by taking steps for early detection, you can drastically improve your chances for treatment and a healthy life after a cancer diagnosis.
By: Chrissy Raynor
Did you know that almost 850,000 women are diagnosed with cancer in America each year. According to the American Cancer Society, there were over 7.6 million female cancer survivors in 2014. However, the reality remains that a large portion of those diagnosed lose their lives to this disease. While a small percentage is genetic, two thirds of cancer deaths are preventable. The key to this is early detection. Thanks to advancements in medicine and technology many types of cancer can be cured if detected at the right time. Many patients go on to lead a healthy life after their diagnosis.Take a look at some of the signs that can help women detect and get medical attention early.
Unexplained Weight Loss
If you have lost weight in the past few months without any changes to your routine or diet, this can be a signal of something more serious. Biologically, cancer cells feed on your energy supply thereby depleting your body’s sources. As a result, you lose weight. Unexplained weight loss along with nausea may be signs of liver cancerin older individuals. Other conditions that could explain the weight loss can be thyroid issues or gastroenteritis . If this is the case, then you should speak to your physician.
Skin changes
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in America. Getting to know your skin is a key part of knowing what is normal and what is not for your body. Get into the habit of checking your skin for new spots. Be sure to thoroughly check your entire body. Many have the common misconception that skin cancer can only occur in areas exposed to the sun. Even areas such as the soles of your feet are at risk.
Some changes to look for include moles that are itchy or that bleed, spots that changes colour from brown to black or that look different from others and a spot that may become raised or covers a lump under your skin. Changes in your skin pigmentation may also indicate cause for concern.
Changes in Your Lymph Nodes
Our lymph nodes are vital organs that produce and store white blood cells that help our bodies fight off diseases and infections. The nodes may also trap cancer cells. They can be found all over your body but the largest groupings are around your neck and armpits.
Swelling in your lymph nodes can sometimes be attributed to viral infections such as the common cold and flu. However, in some cases the swelling could be caused by cancerous cells. The key things to look out for are persistent swelling accompanied by other signs such as unexplained weight loss or night sweats. If these are present with no obvious signs of infection, contact your doctor right away.
Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes for deaths in the world today. However, by taking steps for early detection, you can drastically improve your chances for treatment and a healthy life after a cancer diagnosis.
By: Chrissy Raynor
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