Don't ignore the signs: Cancer symptoms women often overlook

Women's bodies naturally experience many changes throughout life, from menstruation and pregnancy to menopause. While many physical changes are completely normal, others may signal an underlying health condition that requires medical attention. Health experts are encouraging women not to dismiss persistent or unusual symptoms, as early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve cancer outcomes.

Many cancers that affect women, including breast, colorectal, cervical, endometrial, lung and skin cancers, can produce warning signs long before they are diagnosed. Although many of these symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions, recognising when something is unusual and seeking prompt medical advice can make a life-saving difference.

• Changes in the breast: A new breast lump is often the first sign women notice, but it is not the only warning sign of breast cancer. Other symptoms include:
• Swelling in all or part of the breast, even without a lump
• A lump under the arm or near the collarbone.
• Bloody or clear nipple discharge.
• Nipples turning inwards.
• Dimpling of the skin that resembles an orange peel.
• Persistent breast or nipple pain.
• Red, thickened or itchy skin on the breast or nipple.

Women should become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts and discuss with their healthcare provider when to begin regular mammograms based on their age and risk factors.

• Persistent changes in bowel habits: Changes in bowel function that last longer than a few days should never be ignored. Colorectal cancer can cause symptoms such as:
• Persistent diarrhoea or constipation.
• Narrow or pencil-thin stools.
• Blood in the stool or very dark stools.
• Ongoing abdominal cramps or pain.
• Fatigue.
• Unexplained weight loss.

Because these symptoms can resemble haemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome or menstrual discomfort, they are often overlooked. Adults age 45 years and older should speak with their doctor about routine colorectal cancer screening.

• Ongoing pelvic or abdominal pain: Persistent pain or pressure in the abdomen, pelvis or lower back may be linked to ovarian, colorectal or endometrial cancer. Women should pay particular attention if discomfort continues for several weeks or is accompanied by bloating, weight loss or changes in appetite.

• Bloating that doesn't go away: Occasional bloating after meals or before menstruation is common. However, bloating that occurs almost daily over several weeks may be an early warning sign of ovarian cancer and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

• Changes in urination: Frequent urination, pain while urinating, difficulty emptying the bladder or blood in the urine may be caused by urinary tract infections, but they can also signal bladder or kidney cancer. Medical attention should be sought immediately if blood is present in the urine.

• Unexplained weight loss: Losing 10 pounds or more without changing eating or exercise habits may be a warning sign of several types of cancer. While many conditions can cause weight loss, it should never be ignored without medical evaluation.

• Abnormal bleeding:  Any bleeding after menopause requires immediate medical attention. Women should also consult their doctor if they experience:
• Bleeding between menstrual periods.
• Unusual vaginal discharge.
• Bloody or foul-smelling discharge.

These symptoms may indicate infection, but can also be associated with cervical, vaginal or endometrial cancer.

• Extreme fatigue: Everyone feels tired occasionally, but persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest may be associated with several cancers, including leukemia and colorectal cancer. If exhaustion interferes with normal daily activities despite adequate sleep, it should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

• Loss of appetite: Feeling full quickly or experiencing a prolonged loss of appetite may result from tumours affecting the digestive system or hormonal changes caused by cancer. Persistent appetite changes should always be investigated.

• Night sweats and fever: Frequent night sweats or unexplained fevers may occur with blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma. Fever may also develop when cancer spreads or weakens the immune system.

• Persistent cough or hoarseness: A cough lasting several weeks, especially one accompanied by coughing up blood or chest pain, should be evaluated promptly. Persistent hoarseness may also indicate cancers affecting the thyroid gland or voice box.

• Skin changes: Regular skin checks are essential. Warning signs include:
• Moles that change in size, colour or shape.
• Sores that do not heal.
• Persistent red or crusted patches.
• New or unusual skin growths.

Dermatologists recommend monthly self-examinations and professional skin evaluations when suspicious changes occur.

• Difficulty swallowing: Persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing or the sensation that food is getting stuck may indicate cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus or stomach.

These symptoms should not be ignored if they continue for more than a few weeks.

Most of these symptoms are far more likely to be caused by conditions other than cancer. However, health professionals stress that persistent, unexplained or unusual changes should always be evaluated by a doctor.

Routine health screenings, healthy lifestyle choices and paying close attention to changes in your body remain among the best strategies for detecting cancer early, when treatment is often most successful.

If something doesn't feel right, don't delay in seeking medical advice. Early action could save your life.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com 

SOURCE: World Health Organization, Harvard Medical Health