Beware! Never Ignore These 8 Cancer Common Symptoms Or Signs

Source: ActiveBeat

Cancer is a life-threatening disease that has become a major concern in India. With increasing cases every year, it has become imperative to spread awareness about the importance of early detection and timely treatment. According to a report by the Indian Council for Medical Research on the ‘Burden of cancers in India’, seven cancers accounted for more than 40% of the total disease burden. Lung and breast cancer were found to be the most common types. In 2022, approximately 14,16,427 people were diagnosed with cancer, and the number of Indians suffering from cancer is projected to increase to 29.8 million in 2025 from 26.7 million in 2021.

Cancer symptoms to watch out for :

Cancer can produce a range of symptoms that can be confusing, and many people tend to ignore them until it’s too late. Extreme tiredness or fatigue, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, a sore that does not heal, voice change, long-standing cough, abnormal periods or pelvic pain, and breast changes are some of the most common signs of cancer. Other symptoms such as chronic headache, indigestion or difficulty in swallowing, excessive bruising, frequent fevers or infections, postmenopausal bleeding, unusual bleeding or discharge, and obvious changes in warts or moles should not be ignored.

Source: Times Of India

The symptoms of cancer can overlap with other diseases, making the diagnosis difficult. Many signs and symptoms of cancer are also spotted at an advanced stage. It is important to consult an expert and seek an opinion if you experience bleeding, pain, cough, changes in bowel movements, or weight loss. People with a family history of cancer should be extra cautious and consider genetic testing to take prompt action if necessary.

Risk factors associated with cancer :

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer, including tobacco, alcohol, carcinogens such as viruses and chemicals, UV light, environmental radiation, air pollution, unhealthy diets, HPV and HIV, advancing age, and obesity. It is important to avoid exposure to these risk factors as much as possible to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Source: Net Meds

Cancer treatment :

The treatment of cancer is based on the location, size of the tumor, and stage. A doctor will determine the proper line of treatment based on these factors, and it is important to follow their guidelines. Various treatment modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy may be used depending on the type of cancer.

Lifestyle adjustments to prevent risk of cancer :

Apart from following the recommended treatment, one should also adopt certain lifestyle changes to improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of cancer. Avoiding tobacco in any form, maintaining an optimal body weight, avoiding exposure to air pollution, saying no to alcohol, exercising on a daily basis for at least 5 days a week, minimizing exposure to harmful UV rays of the sun, using sunscreen when outdoors for a longer duration of time, getting vaccinated as recommended by the doctor, practicing safe sex, and eating a well-balanced diet are all important. One should avoid junk, oily, processed, canned, and starchy foods, as well as Chinese, burgers, pizza, pasta, namkeens, sweets, sodas, colas, and bakery items. Regular health check-ups and follow-ups as suggested by the doctor are also essential to stay vigilant and lead a healthy life.

In conclusion, cancer is a serious disease that requires timely detection and treatment. With the increasing number of cases in India, it is essential to spread awareness about the symptoms, risk factors, and lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of cancer. Following the guidelines provided by doctors and taking prompt action if any abnormal changes are noticed in the body can help to detect cancer early and get it treated on time.

Source: India.com