Cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy tissue in the body. The main problem is that cancer has no specific symptoms, and therefore, people must limit their risk factors and undergo regular cancer screenings. In many cases, cancer screening is distinct depending on your age bracket, but your doctor will know the type of screening to carry out depending on your age, risk factors, and overall health.

Smokers and heavy alcohol drinkers are among the people at higher risk of attracting cancer, and it is vital that they be acutely aware of the potential cancer symptoms. The most effective way to fight cancer is by prevention or lowering the risk factors. However, early diagnosis of cancer, together with advanced treatment options, has made cancer a mostly curable disease. People should not ignore the early warning signs, which might lead to early diagnosis, to ensure there is an effective treatment. In its initial stages, cancer barely generates any symptoms or signs that can be used to indicate a problem. Unfortunately, any cancer symptom or complaint can mistakenly thought to be a harmless condition. If specific symptoms persist, then you should seek medical intervention. The following are the symptoms of general cancer:

1. Persistent cough and likely with blood

Often, these symptoms might be confused with those of bronchitis or sinusitis infections. However, they could be an indication of the lung, head, or neck cancer. Therefore, anyone experiencing a nagging cough that has lasted for more than one month or coughing mucus with blood should contact the doctor.

2. Blood in the stool

Any case of blood in the stool should be taken more seriously. Although some infections, such as hemorrhoids, are a common cause of rectal bleeding, in some cases they exist together with cancer. An X-ray can be used to clarify the diagnosis. To individuals who are above 50 years, a routine colonoscopy is recommended, even without any possible symptoms.

3. Discharge in the breast or breast lumps

Not all breast lumps are cancerous tumor as some might be cysts or fibroadenomas. However, all breast lumps should be thoroughly assessed for the possibility of breast cancer. Generally, to diagnose cancer, a needle aspiration or biopsy is required. It is common for the breast to release discharge, but when the discharge is blood-like or it’s from only one breast, a more in-depth evaluation is necessary. Women are advised to do a monthly breast self-assessment.

4. Change in urination

The changes in urination may include frequent urination, a small amount of urine, slow urine flow, or overall change in bladder function. In women, these conditions might be caused by urinary infections and in men, they might be a result of an enlarged prostate gland. Although these signs might as well indicate the presence of prostate cancer, cancer of the bladder and pelvic tumor can cause discomfort during urination as well. A biopsy may be required to diagnose prostate cancer.

5. Unusual change of wart or mole

If you detect blemish that has an irregular shape or bleeds, you need to notify your physician as it could be cancerous. Removing a mole is very simple and your doctor will request for a microscopic test to distinguish whether it’s skin cancer or another condition.