The American Society of Clinical Oncology has identified a number of symptoms in women related to the appearance of a tumor. From weight loss to skin changes: here are the cases not to be underestimated.
Breast cancer is currently the most common cancer that affects women. In recent years, however, colon and lung cancer are becoming more and more frequent and are respectively in second and third place in the ranking compiled by Globocan, the database of the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
According to various epidemiological surveys, women are more dedicated to prevention than men. The female population, in fact, is the one that most frequently undergoes checks and is the one that pays the most attention to their symptoms.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has been responsible for drawing up a list of symptoms related to the appearance of a tumor for women. In many cases, these appear to be common to many other diseases and for this reason the advice is not to be excessively alarmed. But it is important not to underestimate the signals of our body.
Beware of these symptoms
The first symptom is the weight lossparticularly if it happens for no apparent reason. Losing a few pounds, whether you are in a period of stress or due to hormonal or seasonal factors, is absolutely normal. But when weight loss gets steady, it is better to go to a doctor for a check-up. Cancer cells, in fact, have a very active metabolism that can lead to substantial weight loss.
It is important to pay attention to changes that may affect the breasts. In addition to self-examination – always useful and recommended – it is essential to check other signals. Among them, we indicate redness of the skin near the breast or thickening of the skin.
The same goes for the nipple: Cases of loss of blood, milk or serum or changes in shape deserve medical attention.
Even the skin changes they can be a wake-up call. In particular if they concern the face and the parts of the body that are most exposed to the sun. From redness to skin loss – these signs can indicate the presence of a skin tumor.
Continuing, the excessive night sweats it can be a sign of cancer in the blood, particularly if it is not due to menopause and if it is linked to other symptoms, such as swelling of a lymph node or a itching all over the body.
I unusual bleedingincluding blood loss in the period from one cycle to the next, and the abdominal bloating are to be added to the list of signals.
Given the increase in mouth cancers – which goes hand in hand with the increase in the number of women who smoke and consume alcohol – checks at the mouth. A “pimple” on the tongue or a scratch on the gum are common complaints, but if they persist, they could be symptoms of something wrong.
Tiredness, cough (especially if dry) or persistent fever they add to the signs that deserve our attention.
Finally, we have the ache: difficult to define, it is a symptom that always needs to be investigated as it is linked to various causes. In some cases, such as abnormal and persistent headaches or pain when swallowing, they can indicate the presence of a tumor.