Women need to be especially careful to any signs and symptoms that their body could manifest. Many gynecological cancers give symptoms that occur early enough to be successfully treated. Ladies, look at your bodies! If you find something abnormal, seek advice from your doctor. Chances are that your symptoms are not a manifestation of a cancer, but it is better to be safe. So here are ten cancer symptoms in women.
1. Pelvic pain
Pelvic pain is characterized by pain or a pressure sensation below the navel. It is persistent and cannot be considered solely a PMS symptom. Pelvic pain is associated with endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, fallopian tube cancer and vaginal cancer.
2. Bloating and abdominal swelling
Bloating and abdominal swelling is one of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer. Also, it is the most ignored common symptom. Abdominal bloating may be so high that you cannot close the zipper or button of clothing items.
3. Persistent lower back pain
Lower back pain often feels like a dull ache. Some women describe it as similar to the pain of labor. Lower back pain is a symptom of ovarian cancer.
4. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom in women who currently have a gynecologic cancer. Excessive menstrual bleeding, bleeding between menstrual periods and bleeding during and after intercourse are considered to be abnormal vaginal bleeding and are symptoms of gynecological cancer. This symptom appears in cervical cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer.
5. Persistent fever
A fever that does not go or lasts more than seven days should be signaled to your family doctor. A fever rebel to symptomatic treatment is often a symptom of cancer. Keep in mind that fever can also be a symptom of many other benign conditions.
6. Bowel disorders or changes in stool
If you have constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stools, intestinal gas, loose stools or simply an overall change of the stool, seek medical advice from your doctor. All these changes could be symptoms of gynecologic cancer or colon cancer.
7. Unintentional weight loss
Dropping ten kilos when you are not dieting is not a pleasant surprise, but an abnormal condition. Although a woman’s weight may fluctuate within a month, a weight loss of ten kilos or more should really concern you to seek medical help.
8. Abnormalities of the vulva or vagina
When abnormalities of the vulva or vagina occur, you must be careful if they wounds, blisters, skin discoloration or leakage of secretions occurs as well. Women should self-examine regularly to observe even the smallest changes.
9. Breast changes
During a monthly mandatory breast self-examination, women should investigate whether they feel lumps, sores, swelling, discharge from the nipples, wrinkles, redness or swelling. Let your family doctor know if any changes occurred as soon as possible.
10. Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of cancer. It is usually more common in the advanced stages, but can also occur in the early stages. Any type of fatigue that prevents you from doing normal daily activities should be investigated by a doctor.
Make sure you go to the doctor from time to time, even if you feel good. Regular checkups are mandatory for maintaining your health.
