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8 common early signs of cancer

8 common early signs of cancer

Cancer, irrespective of the type, is a huge health concern around the world. Today, thanks to major improvements in screening technology, doctors are able to prove an early diagnosis of the condition, encouraging prompt and appropriate treatment. However, while keeping an eye out for the condition, one must remember that signs can vary depending on factors such as the size of the tumor, its impact on nearby organs and tissues, and its progression.

Common early signs
Fatigue
Most people usually experience fatigue after exertion. But when dealing with cancer, the fatigue sets in without engaging in intense physical activities. Such exhaustion can hinder day-to-day activities. Just like normal cells in the body, the cancer cells thrive on nutrients to grow, leaving little for other healthy cells. This deprivation can make one feel extremely tired throughout the day.

Changes in bowel movements
One of the early warning signs of cancer is changes in bowel movement. Further, colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum, causing symptoms like diarrhea and constipation, which can further contribute to fatigue. Such changes can be accompanied by persistent pain in the abdomen and pelvic region.

Bloating
While bloating can cause discomfort, most people believe it to be harmless. However, it could be a sign of cancer for some. For instance, when affected by ovarian cancer, the body has a buildup of fluid (cancer cells) in the abdomen region. So, if one observes persistent bloating, which does not go away following bowel movement and lasts longer than two weeks, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, if one experiences changes in their appetite, it could be a sign of tumors taking up a lot of space in the abdomen region.

Skin-related issues
Typically, subtle changes in the skin can indicate issues in overall health, including the development of cancer. The changes could be in the skin color—yellowing observed in the eyes and on fingertips. Further, the development of new moles or changes in the size of existing moles on the skin can be a cause for concern. The moles could also undergo changes like taking on a different color, increased size, irregular borders, and asymmetrical edges. Moreover, when dealing with skin cancer, the visible signs can begin as a rash, nodule, or irregular patch on the skin’s surface. As cancer grows, the size of such growths can increase, indicating the condition has affected the deeper layers of the skin.

Shortness of breath
Although shortness of breath can be a sign of many illnesses, it could indicate the development of cancer. Known as dyspnea, the intensity of breathing issues can vary from one patient to another. While for some, shortness of breath is a result of exertion, for others, the symptom could occur even while resting. One of the reasons to keep an eye out for dyspnea is that it could indicate the presence of an airway-blocking tumor. Some of the other issues that can lead to the occurrence of this symptom are inflammation of the air passageways and tumors pressing down on the lungs. Based on the diagnosis confirming the underlying issue, one can consider physical therapy to counter it and can increase lung capacity. This can help one get better at performing daily activities and strengthen weak muscles.

Bleeding
One of the early warning signs of cancer is bleeding, which can vary in type. Some types of bleeding can be more indicative of cancer than others. For instance, abnormal vaginal bleeding, blood-filled discharge from nipples, blood in the stool and urine, and hemoptysis ( coughing up of blood) can be warning signs of cancer. The bleeding could be mild and unnoticeable in the early stages of the condition. But, as the cancer reaches advanced stages, the severity of blood loss could increase, requiring immediate medical attention. However, one must keep in mind that, in most cases, the cancer site can determine the origin of the bleeding. For instance, if the cancer affects the digestive tract, it can lead to spotting or blood in the stool.

Difficulty swallowing
Also called dysphagia, trouble swallowing foods and liquids can be an early sign of cancer, especially esophageal cancer. Here, one may experience a sensation that resembles food being stuck in the chest. But in rare cases, one may also experience choking when dealing with cancer. When one notices this issue, it is important to keep an eye on the discomfort. For example, the symptom can worsen, causing pain while swallowing, indicating the growth of cancer and the narrowing of the esophagus. Here, one should seek medical attention immediately and seek treatment.

Pain
Most forms of cancer can be painless in their early stages. Nevertheless, conditions like brain tumors can cause persistent headaches. Further, esophageal cancer causes symptoms like pain while swallowing foods and drinks. However, the intensity of pain can vary depending on the type, location, and growth of cancer. For some people, the pain can result from the compression of organs, and for others, it could be attributed to the pressure on affected nerves. So, as the cancer grows, the pain may worsen. Any kind of persistent pain should be examined by a doctor to determine the underlying cause.

Finally, in addition to the early warning signs of cancer mentioned above, one must keep an eye out for lumps, persistent coughing, unhealing sores, and night sweats. If one notices one or more such symptoms, they should consult a healthcare professional and get examined at the earliest. This way, one can get an early diagnosis of the condition i.e. detect cancer in its initial stages. Further, getting examined for cancer in its early stages can help one get timely treatment and have a better chance at quick recovery.

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Have you ever woken up feeling tired and lethargic despite sleeping for seven to eight hours at night? It could be due to poor sleep quality. Disturbed sleep influences the rest of your day: how you think, your performance at work, and other tasks. The causes of poor sleep are many, including a faulty mattress, distractions in your room, or a heavy dinner. Avoiding the following mistakes before bed can help you sleep better: Staring at a screen Using gadgets close to bedtime is probably the most common mistake in the digital age. The blue light emitted from screens affects the production of a specific hormone responsible for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. Apart from the blue light emission, the television or mobile phone sound can be a distraction that keeps you awake. High noise levels create lots of mental stimulation and disturbance, preventing the brain from shutting down. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using phones, televisions, and laptops for at least an hour before bed. Exercising Exercise is among the best solutions for good health, but you must do it at the right time. Physical activity late in the evening or at night hampers sleep patterns by increasing stress and raising body temperature.
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Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly: Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients Fruit juices and other drinks Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy. Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly. Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal.
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Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.
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A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica.

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