When my friend Augustine’s doctor told him he had lung cancer, he was almost certain that his physician would have mixed up his results. After all, he had no symptoms, had never smoked, was physically fit, and worked out every day. But the diagnosis was all too real, and Augustine aggressively pursued treatment and a new life outlook. “When you’re staring at something like this, you have to make every moment count,” he said. “That’s the only way to get through it: day-by-day.”
But, unlucky as Augustine was, in most people who develop cancer, there are early warning symptoms. Play it smart when you notice anything that could be a serious health problem, like cancer. Talk to your doctor and get yourself checked. In general, disease is easier to treat when you spot it early.
Changes in Your Skin: A new spot on your skin or one that changes size, shape, or color could be a sign of skin cancer. If you have any unusual marks, have your doctor check your skin. He will do an exam and may remove a small piece (called a biopsy) to take a closer look for cancer cells.
Nagging Cough: Usually, it’s caused by postnasal drip, asthma, acid reflux, or an infection. But if yours doesn’t go away or you cough up blood see your doctor. He may test the aspirate from your lungs or advise a CT scan.
Breast Changes: Most breast changes are not cancer. But let him know about any lumps, nipple changes, discharge, and redness. He’ll do an exam and may suggest a mammogram, MRI, or a biopsy.
Problems When You Pee: Many men have urinary issues as they get older, like the need to go more often, leaks, or a weak stream. Usually, these are signs of an enlarged prostate, but they could also mean prostate cancer. See your doctor for an exam and maybe a special blood test called a PSA test.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: You have these small, bean-shaped glands in your body. When they’re swollen, it often means you’re fighting an infection. But some cancers like lymphoma and leukemia can also cause this kind of swelling. Talk to your doctor to pinpoint the cause.
Blood When You Use the Bathroom: If you see blood in the toilet after you pass a stool, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. Bloody stool is likely to come from swollen hemorrhoids, but there’s a chance it could be colon cancer. Blood in your pee could be a problem like a urinary tract infection, but it may be kidney or bladder cancer.
Trouble Swallowing: The common cold, acid reflux can make it hard to swallow once in a while. If it doesn’t get better with time or with antacids, see your doctor. Trouble swallowing can also be a sign of cancer in your throat or esophagus. Your doctor will recommend a gastroscopy to rule out a tumour.
Unusual Vaginal Bleeding: Bleeding that’s not part of your usual period can have many causes, like fibroids. But tell your doctor if you’re bleeding between periods, after sex, or have bloody discharge. He’ll want to rule out cancer of the uterus, cervix, or vagina. Be sure to let him know if you are bleeding after menopause. That’s not normal and should be checked out right away.
Mouth Issues: From bad breath to sores, most changes in your mouth aren’t serious. But if you have white or red patches or sores in your mouth that don’t heal after a couple of weeks — especially if you smoke — see your doctor. It may be a sign of oral cancer.
Weight Loss: Of course you can slim down when you change the way you eat or exercise. It can also happen if you have other issues, like stress or a thyroid problem. But it’s not normal to lose 10 pounds or more without trying. There’s a chance it could be a first sign of cancer of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.
Fever: A fever isn’t usually a bad thing. Sometimes it’s just a sign that your body is fighting an infection. But one that won’t go away and doesn’t have an obvious cause could be a sign of a blood cancer like leukemia or lymphoma.
Fatigue: A lot of things can make you very tired, and most of them aren’t serious. But fatigue is one early sign of some cancers, like leukemia. Some colon and stomach cancers can cause blood loss that you can’t see, which can make you feel very tired. If you’re wiped out all the time, talk to your doctor.
All this doesn’t mean that we have to leave in panic. We must live our lives to the full. God is the master of our destiny. But here’s the story of a seven-time Olympic medalist Shannon Miller who vouches that the lessons she learned while training for gymnastic competitions helped her endure the rigors of treatment of her ovarian cancer. Today she travels the country telling her story. “I use whatever voice I have from my Olympic career to encourage everyone to keep medical appointments, get more sleep, eat right, get and stay fit, and recognize the signs and symptoms of cancer earlier rather than later,” she says. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”
(Dr. Francisco Colaço is a seniormost consulting physician, pioneer of Echocardiography in Goa, column writer.)
