Early Warning Signs Of Cancer That Women Should Never Ignore

C ancer may not be on your radar, especially if you’re relatively young and healthy . But it should be, regardless of your age or family history.

Before you discount that persistent cough as just another part of the flu season , you might want to ask your doctor to give it a second glance. According to a new study by Cancer Research U.K. , more than half of adults have experienced alarm bells that could mean cancer, yet just two percent of them believed cancer could be a possible cause.

Certain red flag symptoms are sometimes early warning signs of cancer and other serious illnesses. Here are 7 cancer symptoms that every woman should be on the lookout for:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding

More than 90% of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer (also known as uterine cancer) experience irregular bleeding. If you have already undergone menopause , any bleeding or spotting should be evaluated.

If no menopause yet?

See your doctor if you experience bleeding between periods , heavy bleeding or bleeding during sex. This can also be a sign of cervical or vaginal cancer , which can often be cured when detected early.

Fortunately the Pap test can find cervical cancer in its earliest and most curable stage, before there are any signs or symptoms.

Unexplained weight loss

If you’re overweight or obese, "As adult, you try very hard to lose weight". Losing weight by exercising and making healthier food choices can actually help curb your cancer risk.

But if you suddenly lose more than 10 pounds without changing your diet or exercise habits, talk to your doctor. It could be malignancy or a tumor.

Constant fatigue

A busy week can wear anyone out. But in most cases, a little rest should cure your fatigue.

But, If fatigue is interfering with your work or leisure activities, stop blaming your hectic life and see your doctor. It may be a sign of serious medical problem.

Loss of appetite or feeling full all the time

Never hungry? How can one not feel hungry at all? If you feel this, its time to ask yourself, Why?

Appetite changes may be symptoms of ovarian cancer or other cancers not related to the reproductive system.

Change in Bowel or Bladder Habits

Suddenly need to urinate all the time or feel constant pressure on your bladder? Unless you’ve started drinking more liquids or you’re pregnant, is certainly a red flag.

Cancer of the bowel causes blockage in the passage, which can lead to constipation, diarrhea, gas pains, blood in the stool, and rectal bleeding. Any continuing urinary problems such as difficulty in beginning to urinate, the need to urinate frequently, blood in the urine, and painful urination could be symptoms of prostate or bladder infection or cancer.

However, many men develop prostate cancer without any symptoms.

Changes in your breasts

Most breast cancers are detected by women themselves during routine daily activities like bathing, shaving or even scratching. Be alert for lumps in the breast or armpit.

Also be on the lookout for changes to the skin on your breasts, changes in the look and feel of your breasts, and abnormalities in the nipples .

Any Change in a Wart or Mole

Cancer can develop in almost any area of the skin, especially those parts that are often exposed. Skin cancer may appear as a dry, scaly patch ; a pimple that persists ; an inflamed area with a crusting center; or as a firm nodule .

Malignant melanoma, a relatively uncommon cancer of the skin, usually occurs as a dark brown or black, small, mole-like growth. Any mole that becomes larger, bleeds, or becomes an open sore should be considered suspicious

The signs of cancer, can be vague and similar to those of other conditions. Only breast and cervical cancers can be detected through screening. So recognizing these symptoms and talking about them with your gynecologist or primary care doctor can increase your odds of finding cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to log them in some way, so that you can have a thorough conversation with your doctor about how often symptoms occur and how long they’ve been happening.