Cancer is a scary possibility to think about. Although you can be affected by a type of cancer at any age, this fear worsens as you age. In fact, according to Cancer Research UK, the older a person is, the more likely it is that they will develop cancer. This is why regular screenings are encouraged as you get older.
There are some signs that you can look out for by yourself, without the help of health screenings. These screenings can catch diseases earlier, but you must use your own eyes and knowledge to spot changes in your health. If you spot a change, you should contact your doctor. After all, it is better safe than sorry, and ignoring symptoms could result in untreatable cancer.
This post mentions four of the main cancer symptoms you should watch out for as you age.
Extreme Fatigue
While you might feel fatigued at the end of a long day, the type of tiredness that could be a symptom of cancer will not get any better with rest. In this case, it is known as cancer-related fatigue (CRF). This is a common side effect of cancer, even impacting some people during and after treatment. Like regular exhaustion, CRF will impact your daily life; it might make performing everyday tasks difficult.
As this fatigue can affect you cognitively, emotionally, and physically, you should find ways of managing it. Speaking with your doctor can help you do this, particularly if you require tests and treatments for underlying causes, like anemia. However, you might benefit from modifying your lifestyle slightly, such as eating a healthier diet and exercising regularly. There are also energy conservation techniques that can help, too.
Persistent Pain
There are many causes of pain that are not cancer-related, but persistent pain can be a sign that there is an underlying issue. Cancer cause pain in numerous ways, including chemical releases, metastasis, nerve damage, and tumor growth and pressure. For example, as a tumor grows, it could begin to press on nearby bones, organs, and nerves, which could cause you to experience pain.
Although not all cancers cause pain, and there are other conditions that can result in this, it is important to see a doctor. If the pain is severe and/or does not go away with over-the-counter pain relief, a medical professional can check for the cause and treatment can be started as soon as possible to alleviate the pain.
Skin Changes
As the largest organ of the body, skin is a good indicator of your overall health. Jaundice can suggest possible cancer or infection, but changes in moles are one of the most well-known signs of cancer. If you have noticed a mole that has changed color, developed jagged edges or irregular borders, and/or grown, it is advised to contact your doctor for a check-up.
This can be a difficult aspect of your health to keep track of, but you must check your skin frequently to spot any changes early on. It is essential that you understand all signs of cancer that can occur on the skin, such as those stated here. Knowing what to look out for will make this a lot easier for you in the long-run.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Despite some weight loss can be considered normal, it is worth calling your doctor if your weight begins to drop with no clear cause. Digestive system or lung cancers are more commonly associated with unexplained weight loss. This can be the result of changes in metabolism, difficulty absorbing nutrients, and reduced appetite. It is also worth noting that cancer cells can consume a lot of energy, and this could lead to an increase in calorie expenditure.
You should contact your doctor about any unexplained weight loss, especially if you have lost more than 5% of your bodyweight in a year without trying. Similarly, if you lose three or more pounds per week, contact your healthcare professional as soon as possible.
To conclude, there are numerous signs that could potentially be related to cancer. The four mentioned in this post should be checked for regularly, especially as you get older.
