8 early signs of cancer in women that should never be ignored

From unexplained fatigue to abnormal bleeding — these cancer warning signs in women could mean more than just routine health issues. (Image: Pexels)

Despite significant advances in diagnosis and therapy, cancer remains one of the biggest health problems in the world. In women, it often presents symptoms that can be mistaken for frequent health problems or mild discomfort. Research suggests that when cancers are caught earlier in their development, they are often more treatable and less aggressive, leading to better survival outcomes. Unfortunately, most women dismiss persistent symptoms and attribute them to stress or hormonal problems or lifestyle issues.

Women face higher risks of certain cancers because of how their bodies work, because of what they went through in their reproductive lives, and because of hormonal changes in the body. While breast, ovarian, and cancers of the cervix and uterus are the most common, women are also affected by colorectal, lung and skin cancers. Recognizing the early signs and seeking timely medical advice can save lives.

According to Dr Meera Khanna, Senior Oncologist with Healthcare Global, “ The prognosis of women doing well in cancer treatment is directly proportional to the early detection of the disease. While this may come off as subtle, identifying them in their infantile stages can save lives.”

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Awareness of these early signs and taking timely medical advice can empower a woman to take charge of her health and steer clear of a late-stage diagnosis while giving room for effective treatment and a higher likelihood of recovery.

Unexplained Weight Loss

An unexplained loss in weight not caused by any modifications in diet or physical exercise is an initial sign of several cancers together with pancreatic, stomach and lung cancers. The cause of this should be investigated immediately if the weight loss is rapid and unexplainable.

Persistent Fatigue

While you may feel tired after a long day of work, extreme fatigue that does not go away even after getting enough rest may be a sign of an underlying cancer, says the expert. Chronic weakness, one of the most common causes of symptoms of weakness for a long time, is blood-related cancers like leukaemia.

Abnormal Bleeding

Bleeding not typically part of menstrual cycles is a warning sign. Bleeding after menopause or heavy periods or bleeding between periods could be a sign of uterine or cervical cancer. The presence of blood in a stool or urine can also indicate colorectal or bladder cancer.

Lump or change in breast

One of the common types of cancers in women is breast cancer — and its early detection is important. Signs may include a lump in either breast or in the armpit, a change in size or shape, a dimple in the skin, or a discharge from the nipple. Finding out about it then and there, with regular examinations and screenings, could mean the difference between life and death.

Persistent Pain or Discomfort

Pelvic or abdominal chronic pain can signify either ovarian cancer or uterine cancer. Cancer-related pain is different from the cramps or occasional aches in that cancer pain rarely goes away and usually gets worse over time, so it needs to be checked out by a clinician.

Skin Changes

Odd patches or growths, atypical moles, or non-healing sores may indicate skin cancer. Any mole changing its colour, shape and size must be taken seriously by women. For the earliest possible diagnosis, you need regular skin checks by a dermatologist.

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Digestive Issues

New lightweight bulging, what is known as dysphagia, chronic heartburn, or any sort of alternate sort of gut excess of conduct should be just a few of the first warnings vintage strains of gut cancer or ovarian cancer. If the digestive issues are not getting better after a few weeks, medical help is advised.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.