Unfortunately, cancer continues to be a common cause of death in the United States. Many forms of this disease can be cured or managed if detected early. Annual cancer screenings and risk assessments are key to detecting this serious condition.
Unfortunately, many types of cancer remain undetected for years. Screenings are crucial, but the human body has a way of indicating there is an issue. Here are some of the most common warning signs of cancer that you could have without knowing.
Pain in the Abdomen
Abdominal pain that pushes toward your back could be a sign of pancreatic cancer, especially if the pain intensifies while lying down. This pain is typically dull and can spread to the upper back. Since pancreatic cancer has few warning signs until it’s advanced, any unusual back pain should be looked into. Unexplained back pain could also come from a variety of different conditions.
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue is described as feeling weak and exhausted even after receiving adequate rest. A possible cause could be ovarian cancer, however, it could come from other conditions. Much like pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer generally remains symptom-free in its early stages.
Tarry or Bloody Stool
Dark or bloody stools throughout could indicate colorectal cancer. Many people with this disease didn’t experience any symptoms and never underwent any screenings. By the time they experienced more notable symptoms, the disease had reached more advanced stages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer and recommends regular screenings for adults between 45 and 75.
Mid-Cycle Vaginal Bleeding
Unusual bleeding between periods could sometimes be a warning sign of cervical cancer. Watery vaginal mucus accompanied by blood is another red flag. Cervical cancer can go undiagnosed until more obvious symptoms occur, such as pain during intercourse and a severe change in vaginal discharge.
Talk to Your Doctor and Schedule Regular Cancer Screenings
Early detection can mean the difference between brisk treatments or a rather unpleasant prognosis. For those who have a family history of cancer, regular screenings are even more vital.
