Cancer can be a daunting word to hear. In the United States, over 1.6 million people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer every year. Each year, a staggering 600,000 will sadly lose their life to the disease. It is one of the leading causes of death, not just in the United States but also worldwide.
Everyone will likely know someone who has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. While there isn’t a cure for the disease, treatments and medications can help reduce the spread and growth, remove cancerous cells, and help people beat the disease.
One of the crucial things to remember is early diagnosis can be a game-changer. Spotting the signs and seeking medical advice can help to minimize the risk. Each person is different; their bodies and health will vary. The differences between individuals can also mean that some signs and symptoms are harder to spot.
Some people may experience signs and symptoms, whilst others will show nothing. If you are unsure of what signs to look for, here are a few common symptoms specific to cancer types.
Common Cancer Symptoms
Experiencing unexplained weight loss can indicate that you might have a health issue. It is common to lose small amounts of weight gradually over time. However, if you have lost a considerable amount of unintentional weight, it is best to speak with your doctor. It could be a sign of cancer, or they may uncover a different health issue to be aware of.
Another common symptom is unusual aches and pains. Like with the signs of weight loss, if you are experiencing unexplainable aches and pains, it is worth seeking medical advice. When you are in pain and your body aches, it is your body’s way of communicating something wrong. The older we get, the more we experience aches and pains due to an ageing body.
Unusual lumps and swelling to any body parts is also an indicator that you may have cancer. For women, lumps on their breasts could indicate a sign of breast cancer. Men who notice lumps on their testicles could have testicular cancer. Aside from these areas, lumps can also appear on a person’s chest, neck, groin and even under their armpit. Noticing the appearance of any lumps should be taken seriously and seen by a medical professional.
Steps To Take
After spotting any signs or symptoms of cancer, going to your doctor for tests and medical advice is crucial. The sooner you go for a diagnosis, the earlier treatment can begin.
Another option is to have a full-body MRI scan to identify if there are any cancerous cells in the body. If there were cancerous cells, it could show if they are located in one area of the body or have spread and the size. Finding all this information can help doctors decide the best route for combating the disease. Investing in an MRI scan might be costly, but it could potentially save you money in the future should it spot any cancerous cells.
Using services, such as Ezra, for a full-body MRI scan can provide you with an update on any potential health concerns. Aside from starting treatment sooner, spotting cancer early could mean you could only have limited treatments and in a shorter timeframe. The reduced number of treatments and medications to take can significantly help your finances.
After seeking professional medical advice, they will have likely advised what medical routes to take. Along with their recommendations, there are other ways to help you through the process.
Speaking with family and friends and allowing them to help you. It could be that they offer you transport to appointments and help out with errands. Accepting their help can enable you to relax and take things easy. Another step to take is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Keeping fit and active can help you to increase your energy levels. Choosing to consume healthy foods and staying active can have numerous health benefits. It can help reduce the risk of experiencing other health issues such as heart disease, heart attacks or high blood pressure.
Do Not Avoid The Signs
One of the most important things to remember is not to avoid the signs. If there are any noticeable changes to your body, unexplained pains, lumps, swellings, bruises, or bleedings, speak with your doctor. It might be nothing or something that is not of major concern in most instances. However, it could also lead to an early diagnosis of cancer. Detecting cancer early could help increase survival rates and chances of beating the disease.
Book in for regular health check-ups and tests. Some people will show no signs of cancer or any other health issues. Having regular check-ups and tests can help monitor your health and flag up any potential chances of cancer. It can help you to begin treatment as soon as possible.
