Signs And Symptoms Of Cancer Women Shouldn’t Ignore

 

While we understand the seriousness of cancer, most of us tend to detach ourselves from the disease. We never think it could happen to us.

The cancers that affect only women are ovarian cancer, endometrial (uterine) cancer and vaginal cancer. Breast cancer, although also affecting men, primarily and largely occurs in women.

Below are 10 signs and symptoms of cancer that women shouldn’t ignore.



1. Breast Changes
 Even if you undergo regular mammography checkups, some signs of breast cancer may go undetected or appear between your regular screenings.

A hard knot or thick lump on your breast or underneath your arm can be cancerous and should not be ignored.

If one or both of your breasts experiences emanating warmth, redness, swelling, soreness, rashes or darkening, these might also be symptoms of cancer.

Alternatively or additionally, the size of your breast may change – one may appear bigger than the other– or the skin on your breasts may pucker up. These are also important signs.

Often, merely squeezing the nipple can induce a liquid discharge and may not be related to breast cancer. However, if the discharge is bloody or clear (not milky), occurs from only one breast and without any pressure on the nipple (such as squeezing), it may be indicative of cancer.

2. Abnormal Bleeding Pattern
 Vaginal bleeding that o ccurs between periods or after menopause is considered abnormal. Bleeding during sexual intercourse, abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding or a cycle that lasts unusually long are also a cause for concern and should be discussed with your doctor.

While these could be symptoms of an endometrial polyp (a growth in the inner lining of the uterus), they could also be indicative of endometrial or cervical cancer.

If you have gone through menopause (absence of periods for a year) and you experience bloody discharge, spotting or blood clot-discharge, consult your doctor right away.


3. Bloating
Bloating is a common issue that occurs during menstruation. It also is a condition that could be attributed to a number of other causes, such as indigestion and overeating.

However, as a woman, if you experience perpetual bloating lasting three weeks or more, it could be a sign of ovarian cancer and you should consult your doctor right away.

4. Pelvic or Abdominal Pain
It is not uncommon for women suffering from pelvic or abdominal pain to associate it with menstrual cramps or indigestion.

However, frequent abdominal or pelvic pain could indicate endometrial, ovarian or vaginal cancer. This kind of pain may or may not occur with irregular periods or bleeding between cycles. However, when it does, the risk for an underlying cancer may become greater.

5. Vaginal Bumps & Itching
Bumps on the exterior of the vagina can be simply pimples resulting from poor hygiene or wearing tight clothing, or genital warts. In some cases, however, they can be a sign of cancer.

It is important to understand the symptoms of one of the least-discussed cancers among women.
If you notice a bump on your outer vagina while shaving or washing the area, consult your doctor. A cancerous bump is usually dark brown or black, although it could be red, pink or white. It could be anywhere on the outer vagina but is most likely to occur near the clitoris.

The vaginal bump may begin as a mole but gradually change color and/or texture.
Perpetual vaginal itching that does not get better with mild treatment may also be a symptom of vulvar cancer.

6. Loss of Appetite
 Loss of appetite is another symptom that could be easily attributed to many relatively harmless causes. However, if it continues for no apparent reason or is accompanied by other symptoms like bloating, it should be diagnosed immediately.

Certain cancers affect the body’s metabolism and cause a loss of appetite. One of these is ovarian cancer.
A 2009 study published in BMJ reports that loss of appetite was the third-highest reported symptom of ovarian cancer after abdominal bloating and post-menopausal bleeding.


7. Low Hemoglobin

A low hemoglobin level is one of the symptoms of endometrial cancer that should be treated as early as possible.

A 2001 study published in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer substantiates that low hemoglobin before treatment is a major symptom in endometrial cancer patients and may result in thrombocytosis, a disorder causing blood clotting.


8. Obesity

 Obesity is a major symptom and risk factor of endometrial cancer.
During weight gain, the fat cells produce excess estrogen. However, when women reach menopause, their body stops producing progesterone, a hormone needed to regulate estrogen activity.


9. Frequent Urination

A frequent need to urinate is a lesser-known symptom of ovarian cancer. Frequent urination may or may not be accompanied by pain and a burning sensation.

It is commonly associated with urinary tract or bladder infections as well as diabetes, all of which your doctor can easily diagnose.

Frequent urination must be medically diagnosed immediately for possible ovarian cancer risk as it is often disregarded as a non-threatening condition.


10. Non-Bloody Vaginal Discharge


While bloody discharge after menopause and between cycles presents a higher risk of endometrial cancer, non-bloody vaginal discharge also poses a certain risk.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 10 percent of endometrial cancer-associated discharge is non-bloody.

Therefore, if you regularly experience non-bloody vaginal discharge (it may or may not be foul smelling), consult your doctor as it could be a sign of endometrial cancer.