Cancer is a collection of diseases formed due to the uncontrolled growth and division of human cells and tissues. Cancer is the second leading cause of deaths worldwide after ischaemic heart disease, responsible for one in six deaths occurring globally. These high numbers are often because the public not being aware of cancer symptoms properly. Cancer symptoms are usually not very profound, leading to most people ignoring it until the cancer reaches a later stage where treatment prognosis is poor. In this article, we will deal with the cancer symptoms of different types of cancer.
Cancer can cause almost any sign or symptoms. The cancer symptoms rely on where the cancer is, how big it is, and how much it affects the tissues or organs. Sometimes, only when a cancer has spread (metastasized), tissues in the body display cancer symptoms.
Cancer often starts in places where it will not cause any signs or symptoms until it has grown significantly. For example, pancreatic cancers generally do not cause health issues until they develop large enough to press on nearby nerves or organs (this triggers back Pain or abdominal pain). Some can spread across the bile duct, blocking the bile flow. This results in yellowness of the skin and eyes (jaundice). By the time, a Pancreatic Cancer is diagnosed it is usually in an elevated level causing such signs or symptoms. This implies that it has grown and spread beyond the place it began.
It is important to note that symptoms are helpful for us since treatments work best when cancer is found early, and if we understand the symptoms early, we can start the treatment early. Most cancer symptoms can be due to other health issues and even benign tumors, but it is always vital to be aware of the signs and get it checked when any symptoms arise to reduce the risk.