On World Cancer Day, everyone should be aware of the warning signs of common cancers
Key takeaways:
- Cancer is undetected at an early stage because the signs and symptoms of the deadly disease do not appear until it has progressed to an advanced stage, according to World Cancer Day 2022.
- World Cancer Day 2022 is observed on February 4th to raise awareness and educate people about the disease to prevent millions of deaths worldwide.
World Cancer Day 2022: Cancer is undetected at an early stage because the signs and symptoms of the deadly disease do not appear until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Cancer is frequently detected "inadvertently" by a laboratory test or an X-ray. There are a few early signs of cancer that everyone should know.
On February 4th, World Cancer Day 2022 is commemorated to raise awareness and educate people about the disease to prevent millions of deaths worldwide. The theme of World Cancer Day is "closing the care gap." A lot is being done to provide countries with high-quality cancer care.
Dr. Mukul Roy, Consultant Radiation & Clinical Oncologist, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, discusses the warning signs of common cancers with HT Digital on the occasion of World Cancer Day.
What's Cancer
"Cancer is an illness in which cells grow abnormally. It can manifest itself in any part of the body. It's made up of microscopic cells that have lost their ability to stop growing. This lump expands and can spread to other areas besides the primary one. According to Dr. Roy, this growth sticks out until it reaches a size large enough to notice a patient or physician.
Here is a list of some cancer symptoms that should not be overlooked.
1. Any lump or swelling in or around the breast.
2. Any open wound that refuses to heal.
3. Bleeding or discharge that is unusual.
4. Swallowing difficulty or pain
5. The appearance of a wart or a mole may change.
6. Unexplained nagging cough or hoarseness of voice
7. Alterations in bowel and bladder habits.
8. Unexplained loss of weight or loss of appetite over a short period.
Cancer can affect any organ, and the signs and symptoms vary depending on the organ involved. Here are a few of the most standard cancer symptoms.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancers usually present as an ulcer or a growth in the mouth, lip, or tongue, particularly if a history of tobacco use.
If the growth is in the voice box, it can cause hoarseness of voice, and if it's in any part of the food pipe, it can cause difficulty eating solid foods with or without pain.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
If cancer spreads to the cervix or the womb (uterus), it can cause abnormal bleeding or irregular periods. There may also be a weakness due to the constant blood loss, as well as a dull pain or ache in the lower belly and/or backaches. Bleeding after intercourse is a common symptom of cervix cancer.
Symptoms of lung cancer
Lung cancer can cause a persistent cough that does not respond to treatment and may be accompanied by blood-tinged sputum. It is one of the cancers that are easy to detect and treat when caught early. Cigarette smoking is also strongly linked to it.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is also very common in elderly men, and symptoms such as urgency and frequency of urination often appear around 60. Seizures, headaches, visual disturbances, and walking imbalances are all symptoms of brain tumors, depending on the area of the brain involved.