CANCER
Cancer is any illness that is characterised by uncontrolled cell development that split uncontrollably and has the ability to penetrate and destroy normal body tissues. Cancer can spread across the whole body.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. But there are also good news because the rate of survivors is increasing thanks to the improvements in cancer screening and treatment.
SYMPTOMS
It is important to remember that the main signs and symptoms of cancer depend on which part of the body is affected.
General signs and symptoms of cancer may be the following:
- Fatigue
- Lumps underneath the skin or skin thickening
- Skin changes, for example, darker or lighter looking skin, ulcers that are resistant to treatment, changes in moles
- Unexplained changes in weight
- Change in bowel habits or bladder function
- Nagging cough or difficulty in breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Long-lasting indigestion or discomfort after meals
- Long-lasting unexplained muscle and joint pain
- Long-lasting unexplained fever, night sweats
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
SHOULD YOU VISIT THE DOCTOR?
See a doctor for a check-up if you have long-lasting signs or symptoms that you are concerned about.
Even if you do not experience any symptoms but you are worried about the possible risk of cancer, go and see a doctor and find out which of the screening tests and procedures you should do to avoid or timely detect cancer.