7 Common Cancer Symptoms In Women

It has been reported that one of the leading causes of death in the world is due to cancer. In 2020 it killed 10 million people. In this, the most detected cancer is breast cancer, which mainly affects women.

Since women’s bodies undergo a wide range of changes from the menstrual cycle to menopause, feeling different at times can be normal. However, given the figures above, if your body is experiencing some new symptoms that make you uncomfortable or exhausted, you need to visit your doctor and get checked.

There is no harm in getting early detection and preventing life-threatening diseases.

Here are some of the early symptoms a woman can experience with cancer.

1. Change in breast and nipples

There can be many reasons for having a lump in your breast, but you need to get checked to ensure it is not an onset of cancer. Some of the other indicators that can be linked to breast cancer are:

• A swollen breast
• Lump near the collarbone or armpit
• Bloody or clear discharge from the nipple
• Nipple suddenly points inward
• Dimpling of the breast skin
• Pain in the breast or/and nipple
• The skin of the breast or nipple is red, itchy, or thick

2. Change In Bowel Movement

While the change in bowel movement that seems like hemorrhoids, IBD, or IBS can often be a sign of colorectal cancer. At times it is easy for women to confuse these symptoms with premenstrual symptoms, so if you have any bowel change that is persistent for a few days, like:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Bloody, dark, or thin stool
• Pain and cramps in the belly
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weightless

It is time for a visit to the doctor. But, especially if you are over 45, it can be dangerous when there is an underlying condition like ulcerative colitis.

3. Constant Back, Belly, or Pelvic Pain

Women can often confuse menstrual cramps and pain with a condition like endometriosis. So, if you are experiencing long-lasting pain and pressure in your belly, back, or pelvic region, it can signify different cancer, from pancreatic cancer to tumors on the spine.

4. Bloating

It is pretty standard for women to feel bloated before and during menstruation or after a big meal. But go to a doctor and get checked if you are visibly bloated for a few weeks. It can be a sign of ovarian cancer.

5. Changes In Urination

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can easily cause changes in your bladder habits. But it can lead to other complications if it goes unchecked for a long, mainly if there is blood in the urine. There can be other symptoms that can indicate cancer of the kidney or bladder, like:

• Sudden and continuous pressure on the bladder
• Pain and/or burning sensation during urination
• The urge to urinate often
• Sudden urge to urinate
• Problem while emptying the bladder

6. Non-Menstrual Bleeding or Discharge

If there is spotting in-between the menstrual cycle accompanied by smelly discharge, it can signify cervical, endometrial, or vaginal cancer. It is hence crucial that you visit the doctor.

7. Changes In Skin

After breast cancer, another cancer that often is a concern for women is skin cancer. Often what looks like a small mole can get bigger and is a result of skin cancer. Other symptoms can include a sore or a crusty red spot that doesn’t go away. In such cases, get it checked.

Final Words

Experiencing sudden pain, fatigue, and swollen body parts can be an early sign of cancer. Do not ignore them; instead, get checked and be assured you are cancer-free.