We learned from the specialists of the Medical Oncology Department at Hisar Intercontinental Hospital about the signs of women’s cancers that are often overlooked despite giving warnings, and which symptoms should be taken seriously.
Unexplained Weight Loss
While many women may consider weight loss without trying to be a positive thing, unexplained weight loss, even without dietary changes, can be a sign of diseases such as thyroid issues, if not cancer.
Bloating
If bloating, a common issue for many women, is accompanied by abdominal pain or pelvic pain, it may indicate ovarian cancer. If you have started experiencing bloating almost every day and it lasts for more than a few weeks, be sure to consult your doctor.
Changes in the Breast
Breast examination is a health check that every woman should perform monthly. Especially, redness in the breast area or thickening of the skin, which are very rare aggressive symptoms of breast cancer, should be taken seriously, along with any swelling in the breast tissue lasting more than a week. Similarly, changes in the appearance of the breast or discharge can also be signs of disease. In this case, you should see your doctor for an examination and undergo mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and biopsy if deemed necessary.
Bleeding Outside of Menstrual Period
It is unfortunately common for women in the pre-menopausal period to overlook irregularities in their menstrual cycle. However, bleeding during this time can also be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with colorectal cancers. Abnormal bleeding during or outside of the menstrual period can be a sign of uterine cancer, the most common gynecological cancer in women.
Skin Changes
Sudden changes in the skin may sometimes go unnoticed. However, it is essential to monitor any color changes in the skin. If sudden bleeding occurs on the skin, it should also be checked.
Difficulty Swallowing and Indigestion
Persistent indigestion can be a sign of stomach or esophageal cancer. Therefore, if you are experiencing indigestion that does not go away despite paying attention to your diet, be sure to consult your doctor. Recent onset of swallowing difficulties may indicate problems related to the esophagus or lung cancer.
Blood in Urine or Stool
If you notice blood in your urine or stool, do not dismiss it as hemorrhoids. Especially if there are changes in the shape and color of the stool, be sure to consult your doctor. After examination, if deemed necessary, a colonoscopy test can reveal the cause of your problem.
Changes in the Mouth
If you smoke, keep an eye on changes in your mouth and definitely consult your dentist. White spots in the mouth or on the tongue can be a sign of oral cancer.
Changes in Lymph Nodes
Pay attention to any swelling in the lymph nodes located in the armpit or neck area and definitely consult your doctor. Changes in lymph nodes can be due to any infection or may indicate cancer.
Fever
Unexplained fever can be a sign of flu, infection, or cancer. Especially, fever is one of the most important and early signs of blood cancers.
Fatigue
Fatigue, which can be a symptom of many diseases, is also one of the vague signs of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, fatigue can be an early sign of leukemia, colon, or stomach cancer.
Persistent Cough
Flu, allergies, and some medications can cause coughing. However, a cough that persists for three or four weeks should not be ignored. Especially if you smoke and have a long-standing cough, be sure to consult your doctor.
