Cancer signs not to ignore: Young adults increasingly at risk

Every year, we notice that cancer is being diagnosed in increasingly younger individuals. Unfortunately, the body often sends warning signals that are ignored or mistaken for other ailments. What symptoms should we particularly monitor? Here are the most common cancer symptoms that are too often downplayed.

Cancer is a highly insidious enemy. Worldwide, cancers cause the death of about 10 million people each year. They are one of the leading causes of death. Cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type and location of the tumour.

Sometimes, it develops for years without causing significant symptoms, lulling us into a false sense of security. Early detection of the disease is crucial, as the sooner it is diagnosed, the greater the chances for effective treatment. What signals should we pay attention to?

One of the most common cancer symptoms is weight loss without changes in diet or increased physical activity. Rapid weight loss over a short period is alarming and should not be ignored. Despite this, many young people, especially women, are pleased when they lose weight effortlessly, which is dangerous.

Often, cancers present through enlarged lymph nodes. In the case of lung cancer, you may observe hemoptysis or the presence of blood in sputum. This type of cancer is also characterized by an intense, tiring cough or a change in its nature, as well as hoarseness and shortness of breath.

Gastrointestinal cancers often manifest as abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness after a small meal, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, and morning nausea. Abdominal pain is also joint in people with intestinal cancers, regardless of their age.

They can also be accompanied by bowel problems or changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and pain while passing stool. Diarrhea, constipation, hematuria, a feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation, bladder pressure, difficulty urinating, and changes in urine colour may occur.

Other symptoms that may indicate the development of cancer include frequent infections, lumps in various parts of the body, skin changes in the mouth or on the genitals, changes in breast appearance, bleeding from the genital tract during intercourse, and accompanying pain. Cancer patients may also experience seizures, night sweats, and fever without a clear cause.