Women's bodies are always changing.
Sometimes changes that seem normal can be signs of cancer, though.
The key is to pay attention to your
body so you can notice when something's different, says Robyn Andersen, PhD, of
the Fred Hutchinson
Cancer Research
Center in Seattle. "New symptoms indicate
something has changed in your body, and you want to know what that means."
So,
what should you watch for?
1. Breast
changes
Most breast lumps aren't cancer, but
your doctor should always check them. Let her know about these changes, too:
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Nipples that turn inward
- Nipple discharge
- Redness or scaling of your nipple or breast skin
To look for the cause of your symptoms,
your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical
history. You may also have tests like a mammogram or a biopsy, when doctors
remove a tiny piece of tissue for testing.
2. Bloating
"Women are natural
bloaters," says Marleen Meyers, MD, an oncologist at NYU Langone
Medical Center.
"It's OK to wait a week or two to see if it goes away."
If your symptoms don't get better with
time, or if they happen with weight loss or bleeding, see a doctor. Constant
bloating can sometimes mean ovarian cancer.
You'll have a pelvic exam as well as blood
tests, and sometimes an ultrasound, to look for the cause of the problem,
Andersen says.
3. Between-Period
Bleeding
If you’re still getting periods, tell
your doctor if you’re spotting between them. Bleeding that’s not a part of your
usual monthly cycle can have many causes, but your doctor will want to rule out
endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of your uterus).
Bleeding after menopause is never
normal and should be checked right away.
4: Skin
Changes
A change in the size, shape, or color
of a mole or other spot is a common sign of skin cancer. See your doctor for a
thorough exam and perhaps a biopsy. This is one time you don't want to wait,
Meyers says.
5. Blood
in Your Pee or Stool
Talk to your doctor if you're bleeding
from a part of your body that normally doesn't, especially if the bleeding
lasts more than a day or two, Meyers says.
Bloody stool is often from hemorrhoids,
but it can also be a symptom of colon cancer. Bloody urine is usually the first
sign of cancer of the bladder or kidneys.
6. Changes
in Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped
glands around the body. Most changes in them come from common infections. But
some cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, can also cause lymph nodes to
swell.
It's a good idea to see your doctor if
you have a lump or swelling anywhere in your body that lasts a month or more,
Meyers says.
7. Trouble
Swallowing
Occasional trouble swallowing is
nothing to worry about. But when it happens often, especially with vomiting or
weight loss, your doctor may want to check you for throat or stomach cancer.
He'll look into your symptoms with a
throat exam and a barium X-ray. During a barium test, you drink a special
liquid that makes your throat stand out on the X-ray.
8. Weight Loss Without Trying
Most women wish extra pounds would
magically melt away. But losing 10 pounds or more without a change in your diet
or exercise habits could signal a problem.
Most unintended weight loss is not cancer,
Meyers says. It's often caused by stress or your thyroid, but it can be a sign
of pancreatic cancer. Stomach and lung cancers are also possible.
Your doctor may ask for a lot of tests
to look for a problem, including blood tests and imaging tests, like a CT scan.
9. Heartburn
Too much food, alcohol, or stress (or
all three) can cause serious heartburn. Meyers suggests that you change your
diet for a week or two to see if your symptoms get better.
If that doesn't help, talk to your
doctor. Heartburn that doesn't go away or gets worse could mean cancer of the
stomach, throat, or ovaries.
10. Mouth Changes
If you smoke, watch for white or
bright-red patches inside your mouth or on your lips. Both can signal oral
cancer. Ask your doctor or dentist about tests and treatment.
11. Fever
A fever that doesn’t go away and can't
be explained could mean leukemia or another blood cancer. Your doctor should
get the details of your medical history and give you a physical exam to check
for the cause.
12. Fatigue
A lot of women are tired because they
lead hectic lives. But extreme tiredness that won’t go away isn’t normal.
Talk to your doctor if your fatigue
never gets better or if you have other symptoms, like blood in your stool. Your
doctor will ask for your complete medical history and give you blood tests.
13. Cough
Most coughs go away on their own in 3
to 4 weeks. Don't ignore one that lasts longer than that, especially if you
smoke or are short of breath. If you cough up blood, go to the doctor. A cough
is the most common symptom of lung cancer.
14. Pain
Cancer doesn’t cause most aches. But
ongoing pain can signal bone, brain, or other cancers. Ask your doctor about
any unexplained aches that last a month or longer.
15. Belly Pain and Depression
It’s rare, but belly pain plus depression
can be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Should you worry? Not unless pancreatic
cancer runs in your family, Meyers says. "Then you need a prompt
[exam]."
No comments:
Post a Comment