While some symptoms of cancer can be rather obvious and deeply concerning, other symptoms can be much less noticeable and alarming. Listed in this article are nine cancer symptoms that people often ignore:
- Chronic Fatigue
Although general fatigue is commonly associated with the daily grind of life, extreme fatigue that doesn’t seem to go away can potentially be a cause for great concern.
According to the American Cancer Society, chronic fatigue, or fatigue that can’t be remedied by sleep, can be a sign of leukemia, colon cancer, or cancer of the stomach. It is worth noting, as a means to avoid fear-mongering, that chronic fatigue or any issue documented in this list is merely a possible symptom of cancer, not a formal diagnosis.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
Similar to chronic fatigue, unexplained weight loss can be a serious yet often ignored symptom of cancer.
If you lead a rather active lifestyle, the concept of losing weight without the means of a drastic diet plan probably won’t resonate with you in terms of a legitimate concern. However, that line of thinking can often play a major role as to why this particular symptom has the distinction of being ignored.
If you’re losing weight, even though you’ve maintained your daily living routine, you could be in the early stages of any number of cancers. Esophageal, lung, pancreatic, and stomach cancers often include symptoms of unexplained weight loss. (Source: American Cancer Society)
3. Pain
While pain can occur due to a variety of reasons, many of which are not serious, long-lasting pain and/or pain that doesn’t go away with the help of basic medication(s) can be a symptom of cancer.
Per the American Cancer Society, sustained back pain can be a sign of colon or ovarian cancer, while a lengthy headache that produces pain for several days without relief can be a sign of brain cancer. Additionally, bone and testicular cancer can often produce aching or sharp pains in the early stages of development.
Pay attention to your body and never dismiss pain that seems to last for days or weeks at a time.
4. Lumps Under The Skin
While lumps under the skin are often associated with breast or testicular cancer, lumps can occur in virtually any soft tissue area of the body regardless of gender.
If you detect the presence of a lump or mass under your skin, your best plan of action is to take action. Discovering a mass in its earliest stage could very well be the key to your physical well-being in the long term.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center suggests that you consult your doctor as soon as possible once you discover a problem of this nature. It is important to be naturally self-conscious of your body as a way to detect unusual physical changes.
5. Swollen Foot
In respect to common cancer symptoms ignored by women, the presence of a swollen foot or leg could potentially be a cause for concern.
According to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, swelling in these areas, while accompanied with pain and/or vaginal discharge, could be a sign of cervical cancer.
While a swollen leg has a marginal return in respect to a serious medical condition, it is important to pay attention to your symptoms and never dismiss them, especially if they’re accompanied by other ailments such as discharge or pain.