12 signs and symptoms of cancer women shouldn’t ignore

When it comes to women, they are generally quite astute to any bodily changes.  The problem is women’s bodies are always changing over the course of their life.  However, what may seem normal could actually be a sign of possible cancer.

Like anyone, the key is to be familiar with your body and to take note whenever something is different.  New symptoms do not automatically mean a cancer diagnosis, but it could and therefore should be evaluated by a doctor. 

Here are 15 changes women need to pay attention to be on the lookout for:

1.  Changes in the breast

This part of a woman’s anatomy gets the most attention when it comes to cancer as it well should.  In 2018, an estimated 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 63,960 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. Most breast lumps are not cancerous but any lump or other change in breast tissue needs a doctor’s opinion along with the following:

·      Nipple discharge or nipples that turn inward

·      Skin dimpling or puckering

·      Redness or scaling of your nipple or breast skin

2.  Belly bloating

All women have a tendency to get belly bloat.  If the symptom does not get better within a couple of weeks or if a woman has any bleeding accompanying it, she should see her doctor. 

3.  Bleeding between periods

Bleeding occurring that is not a part of a usual monthly cycle can have many causes but one type of cancer to rule out is endometrial cancer or cancer of the lining of the uterus. Any bleeding after menopause is not normal and needs to be checked right away.

4.  Skin changes

Just like men, women who notice a change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other spot or development of new spots, could be indicating skin cancer.  Everyone should do a monthly skin check to be familiar with their skin and any changes noted.  If a change is found, seeing a dermatologist right away is recommended. 

5.  Blood in urine or bowel movements

Seeing blood in urine or bowel movements can be scary but often the culprit is hemorrhoids.  But another indication of this could be colorectal cancer.  Blood noticed in urine is also a sign of cancer of the bladder or kidneys.

6.  Swollen or tender lymph nodes

Lymph nodes an important part of the immune system, are located throughout the body in areas such as the groin, neck, armpits, and behind the ears. Normally lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that are not noticeable.  When they are swollen or enlarged, is when they become visible and palpable.  Most changes in them come from common infections.  But some cancers including leukemia and lymphoma, can cause lymph nodes to swell.  Anytime there is a swelling anywhere in the body that lasts a month or more, it’s time to see a doctor.

7.  Difficulty swallowing

Trouble swallowing such as having a feeling of food stuck in the throat or chest or even choking on food, which was not present before, should be checked out.  A gastroenterologist can look into the symptoms with an endoscopy, a CT of the neck, chest, and abdomen, or a barium x-ray. 

8.  Unintentional weight loss

Many women would love to lose weight without trying but if they lose 10 pounds or more without any changes in their diet or exercise routine, this could signal a problem.  Unintended weight loss does not automatically mean cancer as stress or thyroid issues could be the reason.  But unexpected weight loss is a concern as it might mean pancreatic cancer, or colon, stomach, or lung cancer. 

9.  Changes in the mouth

 Anyone who smokes should first quit, but also take note of any changes in the mouth.  These changes could include development of yellow, gray, white or bright-red patches inside the mouth or on the lips.  Or a canker sore that looks like an ulcer with a crater in it.  Any of these signs could be an oral cancer. 

10.  Unexplained fever or night sweats

A fever (often low-grade) that occurs for no reason or having night sweats that soak bed sheets, could indicate leukemia or lymphoma.  See a doctor right away to know for sure.

11.  Fatigue or a cough that doesn’t go away

A feeling of tiredness can be common but when a woman is constantly fatigued, that is not normal.  Fatigue can be due to many things but seeing a doctor to do a complete medical history and blood tests can help discover the real cause.

Coughs usually go away within a 3 to 4 weeks, but is they last longer, see a doctor.  A cough is the most common symptom of lung cancer.

12.  Pain

Any ongoing pain such as unexplained headaches or bone pain that has lasted a month or longer, could be signaling cancer that may have spread.