This article has been
shared in support of Macmillan, one of the biggest charities that helps and
supports patients suffering from cancer in the United Kingdom.
WARNING SIGNS
1. PAIN
Pain is without a
doubt, one of the biggest warning signs that our body sends to indicate that
something is wrong.
2. DYSPNOEA OR
DIFFICULTY BREATHING
Another sign that we
cannot ignore is having a breathing difficulty, especially if it deteriorates.
3. SWEATING
Extreme sweating, the
same that menopausal women experience but without any ambient heat to account
for it, is also a warning sign. This type of sweating stands out especially if
it occurs during the night and soaks our clothes.
4. COUGH
A cough that is either
dry, phlegmy stained with blood or is the same type of cough that smokers have
every morning, which deteriorates and lasts for a period of three weeks, needs
to be examined by a doctor as quickly as possible.
5. DIFFICULTY
SWALLOWING
Another warning sign
is having difficulty swallowing or feeling as though there is something stuck
in your throat.
6. FAECES
Two important warning
signs that our body emits are bloody stools or stools as black as tar.
We should also take
into account any changes to our bowel habits, especially if we have gone from
experiencing constipation to diarrhoea or vice versa.
7. ABDOMINAL INFLAMMATION
Constantly feeling that
the abdomen is inflamed.
8. ACID REFLUX
Intense acid refluxes especially
if the pain worsens regardless of the food that is consumed.
9. URINE
Urine stained with blood
or with both pain and blood has to be consulted as quickly as possible,
especially if the patient is a man.
10. CHANGE IN MOLES
If your moles change
either in size or colour or bleed, are itchy or painful.
11. HOARSE THROAT
You should consult a
doctor if you experience a hoarse throat for more than three weeks.
12. ORAL ULCERS
Oral or lingual
ulcers, painful or not, that have evolved over a period of weeks, should be
examined.
13. LUMPS OR TUMOURS
Lumps and tumours
should be urgently examined, regardless of where they appear; these include
those that appear above the collarbone, neck, armpits, groin, etc.
14. BLEEDING POST MENOPAUSE
Bleeding after having
sexual intercourse or spontaneous bleeding in menopausal women needs to be
medically examined urgently.
15. BLOODY VOMITING
A medical consultation
is urgently needed if blood is found in vomit.
16. RAPID WEIGHTLOSS,
LOSS OF APPETITE OR EXTREME TIREDNESS.
