We all know the usual signs of cancer. For example, lumps in the breast and inverted nipples are symptoms of breast cancer. Breathlessness and a constant cough are signs of lung cancer. But, as well as all these very common signs that we are constantly told to watch out for, there are sometimes some uncommon symptoms that we might face. And as doctors and cancer charities don’t often tell us that these are also signs of cancer, some people tend to ignore them. That’s why we’ve come up with this handy guide to some of the most uncommon cancer symptoms!
Postmenopausal Bleeding
Most women will experience some very light bleeding once they have gone through the menopause. But if this bleeding suddenly becomes as heavy as a period, you should make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. This is because heavy postmenopausal bleeding can be a symptom of uterine cancer. Thankfully, women who spot this early have a good five-year survival rate prognosis. In fact, as much as 88% are still alive after five years if they get an early diagnosis.
Bloating
All women will certainly experience bloating throughout their lives. More often than not, it is after enjoying a hearty meal! However, if you feel like you are constantly bloated, this could be a sign that you have ovarian cancer. Especially if you also feel like you are constantly constipated. Keep an eye on your bloating to see how long it last for. If you are still suffering from it after a couple of weeks, you should consult your doctor.
Growing Moles
We all have moles, and those of us with light skin will have a lot more than those of us with dark skin. They develop on our body over the first thirty years and are often no larger than the width of a pencil. If you keep an eye on your moles by regular checks, mole mapping, or other methods, you can quickly tell if you are developing skin cancer. Some of the most common symptoms include painful, bleeding, and itchy moles. However, very few people know that moles that continue to grow can also be a sign. So, if your mole starts to grow bigger than a pencil, see your doctor.
Difficulty Swallowing
It can be very hard to swallow if you suffer from a sore throat, as it can be very painful when food passes down. If this problem goes on for a few weeks, you should see your doctor about it. It is also important to see your family doctor if the problem gets significantly worse over a short period of time. That’s because this could be a very early sign of throat cancer or lung cancer.
These symptoms don’t occur too often, so you might not ever experience them. However, it is important that you do know to look after them just in case you or someone you know if ever faced with them. And then you will get a head start at beating cancer!