What are some cancer warning signs that you should be on the look-out for? In this blog post, we will discuss some of the biggest cancer warning signs that your body may be trying to show you.
Your health is very important and should always be put first. Although genetics play a large role in cancer and other diseases, it is also important to keep in mind how lifestyle factors could contribute to disease, as well as keeping your body from developing diseases.
The state of Florida has the second-highest rate of cancer in the country, right behind California. Cancer is the second leading cause of death amongst Americans, and early detection of cancer can allow for an easier road to recovery. Always listen to your body, when something does not seem right, take note of it.
Ask yourself, “Is this normal?” You are the best judge of your body – never let signs and symptoms go ignored. The thing about the human body is it is very smart. Our body will usually give us warning signs when something is wrong.
Unexplained Weight Loss
One warning sign of cancer is unexplained weight loss. If you are actively trying to lose weight through diet, exercise, hormone replacement therapy and/or other lifestyle factors, then this would not act as a warning sign.
Although, if you are not actively trying to lose weight and all of your lifestyle factors have stayed the same, then this may be your body telling you it is time to see a doctor.
Rapid weight loss of 10lbs or more is something to take note of and should be acted on. Weighing yourself daily is a good way to map out what weight you typically sit around. It may also be a good idea to write it down or log it in a lifestyle app.
This way, you will get to know your body better and be able to see if any huge changes in weight are being made. As well as unexplained weight loss, another cancer warning sign is to be on the look-out for loss of appetite.
Is This Extreme Fatigue Normal?
Another early cancer warning sign is extreme fatigue. It is important to note that fatigue can be a symptom of many different underlying issues, but if it is so severe that it is affecting your quality of life, it may be time to see a doctor.
Having cancer depletes your body of different nutrients, which, in turn, can lead to extreme fatigue. Fatigue should never be taken lightly, as there is always an underlying reason why this is occurring. Be proactive: listen to your body and act.
Persistent Coughing
Persistent coughing is also a warning sign to look out for. If you are getting over a cold or the flu, then this may not pertain to being a potential cancer warning sign. Although, if that is not the case and you cannot seem to shake a cough, it may be time to see a doctor, especially if it is accompanied by chest pain, fatigue, hoarseness, or weight loss.
If you are a current or past smoker or have lived in a home with a smoker, take that into consideration as well; you are at a higher risk. If your cough is accompanied by blood or mucus, it may be something more serious than the average cold or bronchitis. These can all be early cancer warning signs that your body is trying to tell you.
Get Checked Regularly
Women need to do personal monthly breast exams themselves as well as regular mammograms based on their doctor’s recommendations. Breast lumps or abnormal breast discharge can both be early signs of cancer. Inform your doctor if there are any lumps that may have not been there in the past, or if there is bloody discharge.
Men need to be on the lookout for enlarged testicles or lumps in the testicles. Even if they are painless, they can still be cancerous. Men are also encouraged to conduct self-evaluations on a monthly basis as well as visit their practitioner regularly.
Any significant change or recurrent symptoms of changes to urination or bowel function should be noted.
Difficulty urinating, frequent urination, diarrhea, constipation or excessive gas or bloating can all be warning signs of cancer. If these bowel or urinary changes are unexplained or are not a result of another known issue, reach out to your doctor.
Lifestyle Changes for Cancer Prevention
These are just a few of the potential warning signs that your body may be telling you. Self-evaluations and monitoring of your body can be crucial for early detection. As previously mentioned, some forms of cancer can be prevented through lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy nutritious diet, staying away from tobacco and alcohol and/or limiting their uses, exercising a few times a week, using sunscreen and staying away from foods/products with heavy chemicals and toxins in them are all good ways to reduce your cancer risk.
If you are looking to create a healthier lifestyle in order to help protect yourself from increased cancer risk, you can call ageRejuvenation to schedule a free one-on-one consultation. Your health is always the most important thing to us.
Positive lifestyle changes can help decrease the risk of cancer and many other issues, helping you to keep your health and vitality.
