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Cancer is a disease that develops when the body’s cells mutate and begin to grow abnormally. Cancer symptoms in women vary depending on where it is located in the body, its size, and how it affects neighboring organs.
Many of the same cancers affect women as they do men. However, certain varieties are exclusively available to women who have female reproductive organs. Females are also more likely than males to develop some cancers.
What are the symptoms of women’s cancer?
Female bodies go thru a lot, from menstrual periods to menopause. It’s also natural to feel different from time to time. However, any new symptoms should be checked by your doctor. Some of the alterations could be cancer-related.
The following are some of the most prevalent malignancies in women
Breast
Colorectal cancer is cancer that affects the intestines (colon and rectum).
Endometrial end (lining of the uterus)
Skin
Keep in mind that many of the symptoms of cancer might also be caused by other health issues. And, for malignancies that affect both men and women, the symptoms are often the same. However, it’s critical to notify your doctor if you see any warning signals.
Changes in the Breast or Nipple
A lump in your breast does not necessarily indicate that you have breast cancer. However, if it remains for more than a couple of weeks, get a new one looked out.
Other warning signals to look out for include:
- Breasts that are swollen (with or without a lump)
- a lump in your armpit or a protrusion from your collarbone
- Nipple discharge, either bloody or clear, with inward-pointing Nipples
- Skin that resembles the peel of an orange (dimpling)
- Pain in the breasts or nipples
- Nipple or breast skin that is red, scratchy, or thick
Once a month, some specialists recommend checking your breasts and underarms. Others aren’t so sure. Your doctor can advise you on whether or not this is the best option for you.
They’ll also let you know how frequently you should get a mammogram. This is an X-ray that examines your breast tissue for alterations.
Changes in the Bowel
Colorectal cancer can be detected by changes in the bowel. This has an impact on your rectum and colon. Hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and inflammatory bowel disease are all possibilities (IBD). Some colorectal cancer symptoms may be mistaken for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or periods in women.
If your feces patterns alter for more than a few days or if you experience other symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Poop that is thin, black, or crimson
- Cramps or pain in the stomach
- Weakness and exhaustion
Weight loss that isn’t explained
Your doctor can check for colorectal cancer even if you don’t have any symptoms. There are several tests available, but one of them involves using a long, flexible tube to see within your colon. A colonoscopy is a medical term for this procedure. If you’re over 45 or have a condition like ulcerative colitis, you could need one regularly. Your physician can help you make the best decision possible.
If you have a tumor on or near your bowels, you may poop more or less than usual. If you have cancer in your pelvis or vaginal area, this can happen.
Back, Belly, or Pelvic Pain
Endometriosis, for example, is known to cause torso pain. It could also be cramping from your period. However, persistent discomfort or pressure in your stomach, pelvis, or back might be an indication of a variety of cancers. Colorectal, ovarian, and endometrial cancers are among them.
If you have a tumor on your spine or cancer that has migrated from another part of your body, you may experience lower back pain. Upper abdominal pain that spreads to your back and is accompanied by unexplained weight loss could be an indication of pancreatic cancer.
Bloating
It’s common to feel bloated after eating a large meal or before your period. However, if you’re bloated every day for a few weeks, tell your doctor. It could indicate ovarian cancer or another type of malignancy.
Changes in Pee
Urinary tract infections are one of the most common causes of bladder behavior changes. Pee difficulties, on the other hand, can be a sign of something more serious. If you notice blood in your urine, see your doctor right away. It could be a symptom of a urinary tract infection, but it could also be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer.
Other symptoms that may indicate a urinary tract infection or malignancy include:
- You have a pressing feeling in your bladder.
- You might feel pain or a burning feeling when you go to the bathroom.
- Peeing frequently
- Urge to pee on the spur of the moment
- You’re having trouble emptying your bladder.
Bleeding or discharge without a period
If you’re spotting between periods or have a bloody, foul discharge, see your doctor. Infections are the most common cause of these symptoms. However, they can be a symptom of cervical, vaginal, or endometrial cancer.
If you’ve had menopause and are bleeding, consult your doctor straight away. That’s never the case.
Fatigue
Your energy might be depleted by a hectic routine. After a good night’s sleep, you should feel much better. Tell your doctor if you don’t. Severe exhaustion that does not go away could be an indication of malignancy.
Appetite Suppression
Tumors in or near your digestive tract can strain on your stomach and cause discomfort. You may find it difficult to eat because you are stuffed. Cancer can also send out hormones that cause your hunger signals to be disrupted.
Fever or Night Sweats
You may occasionally wake up with damp sheets if you’re going through menopause. Intense night sweats that occur frequently, on the other hand, could be an indication of leukemia or lymphoma. You may get a fever as a result of certain blood malignancies.
Cough
Coughing for a long time could be a sign of lung cancer. You may have cancer in your voice box (larynx) or thyroid gland if you’re constantly hoarse. Inform your doctor about these signs and symptoms. If you experience chest pain and are coughing up blood, seek medical attention right away.
Skin Changes
Skin cancer can appear as a growing mole on the skin. It can also take the form of a persistent sore or a crusty red patch.
Skin cancer can be checked by your doctor or a dermatologist. You can, however, do regular self-examinations at home. Pay attention to all of your body’s parts. Examine your toes, under your toenails, and your scalp as well.
Summary
Your symptoms may be caused by something other than gynecologic cancer, but the only way to know for sure is to keep note of them and see a doctor. A cancer symptom should never be ignored or disregarded, especially if it has been present for a long period or is worsening.
Regardless of whether your symptoms are caused by cancer or something else, your doctor will be able to help you figure out the cause and, if necessary, treatment alternatives. If you bring your symptoms to your doctor’s attention, you’ll have a better chance of being treated early, when treatment is most successful.
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