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By Dr. Saurabh Tiwari in Cancer Care / Oncology
Jun 07 , 2023 | 3 min read
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Cancer is a multifactorial disease that affects millions of lives worldwide. Early detection plays a crucial role in increasing survival rates and improving treatment outcomes. Let’s explore the importance of cancer awareness and provide practical information on how to detect signs and symptoms at an early stage.
Common Warning Signs and Symptoms
While the specific symptoms of cancer vary, it is essential to be aware of some general warning signs.
Organ |
Common Types of Cancer |
Warning Signs and Symptoms |
Breast |
Lump or thickening in the breast, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge or inversion, skin changes (dimpling, redness, or puckering) |
|
Lung |
Persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, hoarseness, recurrent respiratory infections |
|
Colon/Rectum |
Changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation), blood in stool, abdominal pain or cramps, unexplained weight loss |
|
Prostate |
Frequent urination, weak urine flow, pain or discomfort in the pelvic area |
|
Skin |
Unusual skin growth or changes in moles (asymmetry, irregular borders, colour variations, size enlargement), sores that don't heal, itchiness or tenderness |
|
Cervix |
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or discomfort, increased vaginal discharge, post coital bleed |
|
Ovary |
Abdominal bloating or swelling, pelvic pain, frequent urination, feeling full quickly, changes in bowel habits |
|
Pancreas |
Abdominal pain or discomfort, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), loss of appetite, digestive problems |
|
Liver |
Abdominal pain or swelling, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting |
|
Stomach |
Abdominal pain or discomfort, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, bloating, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing |
|
Bladder |
Blood in urine, frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, pelvic pain, urinary urgency or incontinence |
Please note that these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions, so it is always better to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate testing.
Routine Screenings and Diagnostic Tests
Screenings are effective tools for early detection as they can identify cancer before symptoms manifest.
Type of Cancer |
Screening/Diagnostic Test |
Targeted Population |
Breast Cancer |
Women aged 40 and above (recommendations may vary) |
|
Cervical Cancer |
Pap Smear |
Women aged 21 and above (recommendations may vary) |
Colorectal Cancer |
Adults aged 45-75 (earlier for high-risk individuals) |
|
Prostate Cancer |
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test |
Men aged 50 and above (earlier for high-risk individuals) |
Lung Cancer |
Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) Scan |
Adults aged 55-80 with a significant smoking history |
Skin Cancer |
Skin Examination and Biopsy |
Individuals with suspicious skin lesions or high-risk |
Ovarian Cancer |
Transvaginal Ultrasound, CA-125 Test |
Women with a family history or high-risk factors |
Pancreatic Cancer |
No specific routine screening |
High-risk individuals may undergo genetic testing |
Liver Cancer |
No specific routine screening |
High-risk individuals may undergo imaging tests |
Stomach Cancer |
No specific routine screening |
High-risk individuals may undergo endoscopy |
Bladder Cancer |
Urine Cytology, Cystoscopy |
Individuals with symptoms or high-risk factors |
These screenings can detect abnormal changes in the body. Regular participation in recommended screenings is vital, particularly for people with a family history of cancer or other high-risk factors.
Empowering Self-Examinations
In addition to screenings, self-examinations play an important role in detecting early signs of cancer.
Here are some key points highlighting the role of self-examination in early cancer detection:
Breast Self-Examination:
-
Breast self-examination enables individuals to become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts.
-
By performing monthly breast self-exams, individuals can detect any new lumps, changes in size or shape, skin abnormalities, nipple discharge, or other unusual breast changes.
-
Early detection of breast cancer through self-examination can lead to timely medical intervention, improving treatment outcomes and increasing the chances of survival.
Skin Self-Examination:
-
Regular skin self-examinations help in detecting skin cancers like melanoma at an early stage.
-
Individuals can examine their skin from head to toe, looking for any new moles, changes in existing moles (such as asymmetry, irregular borders, colour variations, or size enlargement), or other skin abnormalities.
Testicular Self-Examination:
-
Testicular self-examination involves checking the testicles for any lumps, swelling, or other abnormalities.
-
By performing monthly testicular self-exams, individuals can identify any changes in size, shape, or consistency of the testicles, which may be signs of testicular cancer.
-
Early detection of testicular cancer through self-examination can lead to timely medical intervention, potentially improving treatment outcomes and preserving fertility.
Oral Self-Examination:
-
Oral self-examinations involve inspecting the mouth, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual growths, sores, or changes in colour or texture.
-
Regular oral self-examinations can help detect early signs of oral cancers, allowing individuals to seek dental or medical attention for further evaluation.
By empowering individuals to perform these simple yet effective self-examinations, we encourage early detection and proactive healthcare.
By educating individuals about the warning signs, emphasising the importance of routine screenings, and empowering them with knowledge about self-examinations, we can enable people to take proactive steps in managing their health. Take the first step towards prioritising your health. If you have any concerns or need guidance, we urge you to consult your healthcare provider or specialist.
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