Warning Signs of Cancer in Women

From menstrual cycles to menopause, female bodies undergo a lot of changes in their body. However, it is vital to pay attention to those changes, and it is crucial to have any new symptoms looked at with the help of your doctor. For example, some changes could be symptoms of cancer.

Some of the most common cancers women get include:

• Breast
• Colorectal (colon and rectum)
• Lung
• Cervical
• Endometrial (lining of the uterus)
• Skin

It is essential to remember that other health conditions can also cause many possible cancer symptoms. And for cancers that affect both men and women, the symptoms tend to be the same for both genders. But it’s important to inform your doctor if you notice certain warning signs.

What are the predominant changes or symptoms that women could go through?

Breast or nipple changes

A lump does not imply you have breast cancer. However, consult your doctor if you find a new lump, mainly if it persists for longer than a couple of weeks, consult your doctor.

Other symptoms to watch out for include:

• Discharge from the nipple, bloody or clear
• Nipples pointing inward
• Skin resembling orange peel (dimples)
• Breast or nipple pain
• Red, itchy, or thick skin on the nipple or breast

Some specialists think it’s a great idea to check your breasts and underarms once a month. Your medical doctor can help you decide if this is apt for you. They’ll also inform you how regularly you want a mammogram. That’s an X-ray that appears for modifications to your breast tissue.

Bowel Movement Changes

Bowel movement changes may be a sign of colorectal cancer. That affects your rectum and colon. It can look like haemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Inform your doctor if your bowel patterns alter for more than a few days or if you experience other symptoms, such

• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Thin, dark, or bloody stool
• Belly pain or cramps
• Weakness and fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Doctors can take a look at colorectal cancer before signs and symptoms appear. There are several tests, but one of them involves looking inside the colon with a long flexible tube. This is called a colonoscopy. You might need it regularly, especially if you’re over 45 or have certain conditions such as ulcerative colitis. Your doctor can help to make a decision that’s best for you. You may also pass motion there more or less than usual if you have a tumour on or near your intestines. For example, this can happen if you have pelvis or vagina cancer.

Loss of appetite

Tumours in or near the gastrointestinal tract can put pressure on the stomach. It may be not easy to eat because you feel full. Cancer can also release hormones that disrupt the hunger signal.

Changes in the urine pattern

Urinary tract infections are a common cause of changes in bladder habits. But sometimes, having problems with your urine signifies something more serious. For example, if your urine contains blood, see a doctor immediately. It can signal a urinary tract infection but also signify bladder or kidney cancer. Other symptoms that could be a sign of urinary tract infection or cancer:

• A feeling of pressure on your bladder
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Urinating often
• Bladder emptying problems

Non-Period Bleeding or Discharge

Tell your doctor if you are spotting between your periods or have a bloody, smelly discharge. These problems usually stem from an infection. Sometimes, these abnormalities can signify cervical, vaginal, or endometrial cancer. If you’ve gone through menopause, see your doctor immediately if you’re bleeding. That’s never normal.

Stomach, Back and Pelvic Pain

Conditions like endometriosis often cause a common type of pain in the torso. It can also be cramps from your monthly periods. If you have long-term pain or discomfort in your belly, pelvis, or back, this could signify several types of cancer. This includes colon, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. If your spine has a tumour or other local cancer spread. If you are experiencing upper belly pain that spreads to your back and losing weight without a good explanation, it may signify pancreatic cancer.

Heartburn

You can get cancer of the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, or throat, depending on the location of the cancer. This can cause nausea and choking when eating and drinking. In addition, you may experience indigestion or a feeling of something being stuck in your throat. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Other symptoms to watch for

Some people’s mouths change as they grow older. Be on the lookout for white or red patches that don’t improve. If you have persistent, painful sores in your mouth, it could be a sign of oral cancer. In addition, there may be swelling or enlargement of the face or upper body parts. Tumours can block the blood flow from your head and arms to your heart. As a result, there is a chance that your face, neck, arms, or chest may get swollen.

FAQ

1. What are the 5 most common cancers in females?

Cancers most often affect women are breast, colorectal, endometrial, lung, cervical, skin, and ovarian cancers.

2. What are the symptoms of cancer in females?

Some of the symptoms that women should not miss noticing

1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
2. Unexplained weight loss
3. Vaginal discharge coloured with blood
4. Constant fatigue
5. Loss of appetite or feeling full all the time
6. Pain in the pelvis or abdominal area
7. Changes in your bathroom habits
8. Persistent indigestion or nausea

What are the four types of female cancers?

The five main types of gynecologic cancer are cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar.