Cancer symptoms that women ignore

Like any other disease, cancer can be detected early and thus be treated more effectively.

Over the past decade or so, Kenyan women have become more enlightened about issues pertaining to their health.

Over the past few months, there has been a rising concern about cancer and how it can be diagnosed early.
Like any other disease, cancer can be detected early and thus be treated more effectively.

The only problem is that patients (and sometimes doctors) take the symptoms too lightly and by the time the cancer is diagnosed, it is often too late.

The following are tell-tale symptoms that should never be ignored:

Menstrual changes:
If you suddenly begin to have unusually heavy periods or bleeding between periods, make sure you visit your gynaecologist to check for cervical and uterus (endometrial) cancer.

Be sure to mention any hormonal treatment you may be using.

Painful sex:
Once in a while, some discomfort is experienced during intercourse.

This is mostly due to vaginal dryness, especially in older women.

However, persistent pain during sexual intercourse with associated vaginal bleeding or spotting is a warning sign for possible cervical or vaginal cancer.

Breast changes:
Women have repeatedly been told to look out for lumps in their breasts when screening for cancer.

However, most do not know that breast cancer may present as changes in the skin of the breast (becomes thick and looks like an orange peel or like it has cellulite).
It can also present as changes in the nipple (a pointed nipple may become flat or look as though it is being pulled inwards or sideways).

The skin of the nipple may also become scaly or flaky.

Nipple discharge especially if is bloody needs urgent assessment by your doctor.
Unwanted weight loss or weight gain:
If your body is not undergoing any stress and you have not changed your eating or exercise pattern, you do not expect to change your body weight.
Granted, most women normally get some slight fluctuations in weight during the course of the month due to hormonal changes.

However, unexplained weight loss or gain of more than 5-10 kg over a short period needs evaluation by your doctor.

Abnormal discharge:
All unusual smelling or blood-stained vaginal discharges need evaluation to rule out cervical or vaginal cancer.