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Recognizing the common cancer symptoms in women Recognizing the common cancer symptoms in women

Recognizing the common cancer symptoms in women


Surya Hospital

Surya Hospital

Surya Hospital 9 Min Read | 464

We all know that cancer is a serious disease that can affect anyone, irrespective of age and gender. However, the way it manifests may vary from one person to another, depending on the type of cancer, its stage and, sometimes, even the sex of the person. This is probably due to the differences in anatomy and hormones. A female body undergoes numerous changes through various stages of life, and this is the reason why most of the symptoms may seem normal. In this blog, we have listed some of the most common symptoms of cancer in women, that you should not ignore. Continue reading for more.

 

Changes in the Breast or Nipple:

If there is any unusual change in your breast shape, size or appearance, it is advisable to get yourself evaluated at the earliest, as such changes have been linked to breast cancer, one of the most common malignancies seen in women. In the majority of the cases, there is a development of an unusual lump or mass in the breast, that can be felt during physical examination. Other breast-related symptoms that could be a sign of breast cancer include swelling in the breast, inverted nipple, pain in the breast, unusual mass in the armpit and abnormal discharge from the nipples. Doctors recommend women perform regular self-examinations as these can help to catch early signs of breast cancer, making it possible to seek timely treatment. 

Changes Related to the Bowel:

Problems like constipation and diarrhea are experienced by a lot of women during their menstrual cycles. They generally start a day or two before your period. For some women, the problem is so common that even if it is not related to their menstrual cycles, the time to believe that it is, and hence do not see proper medical care. However, it is important to note that changes in your bowel can be linked to something more serious like colorectal cancer. In some cases, the symptoms can be even more severe, manifesting just like hemorrhoids and irritable bowel syndrome. It is important to look out for any unusual changes in your bowl and bring it to the notice of a specialist. Common bowel symptoms that have been associated with colorectal cancer in women include constipation, diarrhea, traces of blood in stools and persistent abdominal cramping.

Feeling Bloated:

What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you are feeling bloated? Some women may think it is due to their periods, while others may think that it is because they ate something heavy. No doubt these two can be the reasons behind your bloating, but not always.

Experiencing bloating, every now and then, can be a sign of an underlying malignancy like advanced ovarian cancer. The problem is caused by the excessive buildup of fluids in the belly, which is quite likely to happen when ovarian cancer spreads to the wall of the abdomen and causes irritation. The same problem may also be experienced if the cancer spreads to the liver or involves the lymphatic system. Bloating associated with ovarian cancer is often accompanied by some other symptoms like an unusual decrease in appetite. 

Pain in the Abdomen, Back and Pelvis:

One of the most commonly overlooked symptoms of cancer in women is pain, which may be experienced in the abdomen, back or pelvic area, and it is hard to guess why. Such pain is often experienced by women during their menstrual cycles, especially those with Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some women may also experience it due to an underlying medical condition like endometriosis or fibroids. However, it is important to understand that such pain can also be linked to a variety of cancers such as ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. So, if you have been experiencing any unusual pain in the torso area lately, it is advisable to consult a doctor and get yourself evaluated. You can find the best cancer specialist in India who will precisely assess the symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis.

Changes in Urination:

Females tend to be at a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections and the problem is extremely common. As such, they tend to ignore any unusual change in their pee. However, we need to realize that changes in urination may not always be linked to urinary tract infections, and it can even be a sign of bladder cancer. So, if there are any unusual changes in the color of your urine, if it has suddenly started smelling very bad or if it has any traces of blood in it, which makes it appear red or pinkish, you definitely should definitely go for a proper medical evaluation. Doctors generally recommend urine analysis along with some other tests to diagnose the problem.

If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms it is important to understand that these do not necessarily mean that you have cancer. However, when it comes to your health it is always advisable to be a bit more cautious and not take any symptom for granted. 

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