Recently I went to attend a meeting conducted by an association of retired teachers from various schools and colleges. They meet every three to four months; their affairs will be shared with each other. I was also invited to that meeting as their guest speaker. The topic of discussion the day I went was cancer. Actually, they meant it as an interaction, not an exact speaking topic.
They asked many questions. Obviously, the questions were raised about smoking, alcohol, and diet. I gave clarifications to their questions. As they are teachers they did things in their daily lives with great precision. Teachers are like that; And they are the role models.
Eventually, the questions came up, on how to detect cancer. In response, I explained what ‘Cancer Screening’ is. We can diagnose the disease even before the specific symptoms appear. This is what we call ‘Cancer Screening’. That is, conduct certain tests on healthy people; find out what disease they are most likely to get as a result, and treat it.
Then they raised the next suspicion that was an important one. “One or two of us had cancer with no symptoms. We went to the hospital with minor symptoms. But after the checkups, most of the cancers were found to be in the final stages.” They asked what should be done to prevent others from doing so. Moreover, their exact doubt was whether cancer could be detected in any way other than this ‘Cancer Screening’.
That doubt is the cross-section of the normal people who think seriously about their health and wellness. Cancer Screening is not always possible for everyone. It cannot be considered as a simple method as people are having various economic statuses and different lifestyles.
I began to answer their doubts.
I gave them the basic idea of where cancer came from, whether there were any ways to detect cancer, whether the body was showing any signs of cancer and what signs the body was giving us.
Where does Cancer Come from?
Cancer can occur in almost every organ of the body. In other words, cancer can occur in all parts of the body except the hair, nails, and walls of the heart. The symptoms of cancer depend on the organ in which they begin. But some symptoms do not particularise any specific organs. They can cause general symptoms. Let’s talk about such symptoms first.
General Symptoms Leading to Cancer
1. Significant Weight Loss
Let’ see what is to be called ‘weight loss. Significant weight loss is when a person loses more than five percent of their weight in six months for no apparent reason. Only cancer may not cause significant weight loss. This substantial weight loss can occur in many diseases, from certain types of mental illness to diabetes and thyroid.
Although this symptom occurs in cancer in the stomach. Significant weight loss is also seen as a symptom in cancers that affect the whole body, such as Lymphoma. Weight loss is another important point that indicates a high degree of illness. Therefore, a health checkup should be performed as soon as you notice this symptom.
2. Anorexia
It also mainly points to cancers of the stomach (stomach, pancreas, liver). However, anorexia nervosa can also be caused by ovarian cancer, cancers that affect the whole body, Lymphoma, metastatic, or cancers that spread throughout the body.
3. Chronic Fever
Fever is caused by an infection. However, a major cause of chronic fever without infection may be cancer of any part of the body.
Symptoms Depending on the Organ Affected by the Cancer
Breast Cancer
If there should be non-painful swellings or tumors that appear on breasts can be suspected as Breast Cancer. These symptoms are mainly suspected after the age of thirty. Normally painful tumors are caused by an infection. But cancerous tumors can also become painful when they reach an advanced stage. Symptoms of Breast Cancer include a normal nipple pulling inwards, the skin around the nipple, bloody discharge through the nipple, and the skin of the breast sticking out like an orange peel.
Breast Cancer can also be caused by an asymptomatic tumor on the breast. Fibro Adenosis, Breast Cyst, and Fibro Adeno also can be found in the breast with equivalent symptoms. Therefore in case of doubt, it is advisable to undergo a medical examination.
Black stools are a symptom of cancer of the organ from the mouth to the rectum. It occurs when blood mixes with the digestive system. Your stool may turn black depending on the type of food you eat. But when it goes black, like tar, it is symptomatic.
Blood in the Stool: This does not mean occasional blood in the stool. It is common for many people to dismiss them as piles. However, tests should confirm that the bleeding is not due to Colon Cancer.
Chronic Cough: The cough that lasts for more than three weeks is what we call a chronic cough. You have to be skeptical if you have a cough like this. This is because there is a long list of coughs from just allergies to tuberculosis. The risk of Lung Cancer is higher if there is blood in the sputum with coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and loss of appetite.
Smokers generally have a cough in the morning. Even though, if there is a difference in the severity or pattern of the cough, it should be examined.
4. Sores or Growth on the Cheeks and Tongue
Sores in the mouth are common. However, it is important to note that sores on the sides of the tongue, which do not heal in three weeks, and the skin on the cheeks may appear as growths. Especially those who have used tobacco in any way are more likely to get cancer.
The sores or swellings on the gum or walls of the mouth can be considered as the symptom of cancer.
Difficulty in Getting Food Down
This can often be a sign of Esophageal Cancer. Especially those with habits such as smoking and alcoholism. If it is difficult to unload solids, it is a sign of danger.
Blood in the Urine
Without pain, especially after middle age, bleeding in the urine may be a sign of Kidney or Bladder Cancer. The same symptom can be seen in the case of Urinary stones, but it is often accompanied by pain.
5. Bleeding after Menopause
Bleeding after menopause is a major symptom of Cervical Cancer. So if this condition occurs, it should always be checked.
Variation in Voice
New Variations in Voice: It can also be caused by the infection, but it can also be a symptom of Laryngeal Cancer, Thyroid Cancer, or Lung Cancer. That can be seen especially in smokers.
Tumors in Neck
The inflammation of Lymph Nodes is the cause of this. Thyroid lymph is another one. Although it is mainly caused by certain types of infections, fever, and tuberculosis, it is common. symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers. Therefore, a new medical examination should be performed, especially if there are painless tumors in the neck.
6. Tumors in the Body
We may be having many benign tumors in our bodies. But we have to be cautious about the newly appearing painless tumors. It can be viewed with suspicion.
7. Bloating of Stomach or Abdominal Cramps
This state should be checked, especially if it is accompanied by weight loss.
8. Constipation and Intestinal Obstruction
Intermittent constipation and diarrhea are considered symptoms of Colon Cancer. If in doubt, it is best to consult a doctor.
Many people start treating themselves out of overconfidence. But that is a big risk and it may worsen the situation. Consulting a doctor and understanding what the disease is can help you to avoid major accidents. Let us not be human beings who walk to death by negligence.
Dr. Jojo V. Joseph MS. Surgery, MCh. ONCO Surgery (Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Caritas Cancer Institute Kottayam, Kerala)