The Symptoms of Cancer

Why are the symptoms of cancer necessary on prevention of the disease? Symptoms are felt or noticed first by the person who has them. These are often not easily seen by another person unlike signs. And often a tumor doesn’t produce specific symptoms. That is why it is important to pay attention to what your body is warning you about and to know what the signs mean.

One of the interesting cancer facts is it is a disease that can give you symptoms or signs of an entirely different type of illness. It is possible for you not to feel any of the symptoms of cancer and yet be diagnosed with it.

A tumor often doesn’t produce symptoms because cancer cells may develop in organs where they will not manifest themselves. A tumor may not make you feel that something is wrong unless it has grown big enough to affect nearby organs.

When symptoms are already experienced by a person, the abnormal growth is usually at its advanced stage making it harder to treat. Examples of these cancers that won't produce early symptoms are pancreatic and lung cancers.

Sometimes, the disease can also produce symptoms that are not usually linked to it. How does this happen? Tumors sometimes release substances in the bloodstream that produce indications that are not actually symptoms of cancer. Again, tumors that grow in the pancreas and lungs are examples of these.

Abnormal cells in the pancreas can release substances that lead to blood clots in the veins of your legs while those found in the lungs can release substances similar to hormones that increase calcium levels in the blood. The blood clots and the increased calcium levels affect your muscles and nerves making you feel weak and dizzy. Both symptoms are not closely linked to the disease.

If the cancer has metastasized to other body organs, indications of cancer can be felt in the various parts of your body and not just where it started. Some cancer types create symptoms that are similar and general like losing weight.

Unexpected weight loss

Losing a lot of weight which can’t be explained by dieting, or any other reason is usually a symptom of cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus and lungs.

Changes in bowel movements

Changes will include thin stools which can mean tumors in your colon walls.

Excessive fatigue

A lingering and excessive tiredness is often associated with cancers of the blood, colon and stomach.

Pain from cancer that is chronic and long-lasting

This kind of pain usually means cancers of the bone, brain, ovary or colon depending on where the pain is felt.

Chronic indigestion

This symptom can also mean something other than cancer but it may usually be a symptom for tumors in the stomach.

Trouble swallowing or Dysphagia

If this symptom persists and can’t be explained, it may be a symptom of tumors in the esophagus.

A symptom should not be ignored especially if you have felt them for quite a time and they are getting worse. It is your body's way of telling you that something is wrong. Sometimes people ignore symptoms because they are not aware that whatever their body is manifesting means something is wrong. Or they may be afraid of what the symptoms might indicate.

If you have any of the symptoms, it is recommended that you see a doctor who will be able to look further for possible signs of cancer.

It is possible to detect cancer before you have the indications. There are available special check-ups and certain tests for tumors. This is especially helpful to people whose families have a history of cancer.

Knowing and being aware of the symptoms of cancer are vital steps on prevention of the disease.

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