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5 early warning signs of cancer

5 early warning signs of cancer

Cancer is an umbrella term used to describe conditions caused due to the multiplication of abnormal cells in the body. This growth can start in one organ and then spread or invade the surrounding tissues and travel to other body parts. Some of the most common types include breast, cervix, colon, and mouth cancers. Here are some early warning signs of cancer to look out for.

Changes in the menstrual cycle
One of the typical early warning signs of cancer is changes in the menstrual cycle. Many individuals will experience irregular or changes in their menstrual cycles over time. But, if there is persistent pain in the pelvic region and sudden changes in the cycle, it is essential to check it out. This issue could be an early cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer symptom.

Coughing
Coughing is mainly a symptom of a cold or a flu infection but is also typically seen as an early sign of certain types of cancer. If the cough is persistent even after two weeks, especially a dry cough, it could be a sign of lung cancer. Such a sign, accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, hoarseness, and shortness of breath, could indicate that it’s time to get checked by a healthcare professional.

Extreme exhaustion
Fatigue from cancer differs from the tiredness felt after a long workday. But it is important to note that extreme fatigue does not improve with rest. This sign could also be of an early cancer stage. Cancer grows by using the body’s nutrients, so the body cannot use these nutrients to repair the wear and tear in the body and replenish its sources. Several causes could lead to fatigue, but they are not exclusively cancer-related. But, if excessive tiredness interferes with the day-to-day functioning of life, getting it checked by a doctor is essential.

Constant pain
With cancer, individuals could experience pain due to different reasons. It could be caused by a mass or tumor pressing on other body areas. This early sign associated with cancer could also be due to the release of certain chemicals by the cancerous mass. Metastasis, i.e., when the cancer cells spread to other parts and organs of the body, could also lead to pain. If one is experiencing this symptom, it is important to get it checked by a healthcare professional. They will help with the next steps and determine the cause of the pain.

Changes in the skin
If the appearance of a birthmark or mole is changed, getting it checked by a healthcare professional immediately is crucial. One can look for asymmetry, border changes, color changes, and diameter changes and if the mole is evolving. Evolving refers to a mole of birthmark that suddenly grows to bleed over a while.

Getting these early warning signs checked can help one get the right diagnosis and a prompt treatment plan to ensure no complications are experienced. Having a word with a doctor immediately after such symptoms are experienced is the first step one needs to take.

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Hair loss is a natural process that automatically gets rid of old tissue and hair to promote new growth. So don’t be alarmed when you do find a few strands of hair tangled in your comb. However, a clearly visible scalp and a receding hairline are indicative of developing the problem of permanent hair loss. There are several internal and external factors that can accelerate hair fall, leading to pattern baldness in both men and women. Here are the top four reasons that trigger unnatural hair fall. Stress Stress ranks among the top risk factors associated with many medical conditions. In fact, one way or the other, taking physical or psychological stress harms the body more than you can imagine. For hair loss, especially, excessive shedding starts right after the body undergoes physical or psychological distress. A few examples include experiencing high fever, blood loss due to accident or injury, or even post-surgery recovery can result in stress that causes hair loss. Stress, coupled with anxiety, results in accelerated hair loss. To cope with this problem and reduce its effects, stress management is of crucial importance. Hormonal changes Men and women both experience hormonal changes throughout their lifetime. However, an imbalance associated with various conditions can trigger hair loss.
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Hearing loss, deafness, or impairment is the partial or total inability to hear sounds. People with low to moderate hearing impairment face challenges in understanding what the other person is saying in a noisy environment. Whereas, people with severe deafness cannot hear anything, and rely completely on lip-reading and sign language skills. There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and a combination of both. Let’s understand these types in detail and learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of each type. Sensorineural hearing loss It’s the most common type of hearing loss. Sensorineural is permanent hearing loss often caused by damage to the tiny hair cells that line the inner ear or the auditory nerve. The damage stops or weakens the transfers of nerve signals to the brain. These signals are essentially the intensity and clarity of sounds. Causes: Aging and exposure to loud noises for a long period of time are the most common cause of the damage. Certain medications and illnesses can also increase risks. It can even be genetic, and pass on to the child in the mother’s womb. Treatment: There is no medical or surgical treatment available to repair the tiny hair cells once they’re damaged.
Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

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The heart is the most crucial organ in the body and as the system will cease to function if the heart stops or loses momentum pumping fresh oxygenated blood. This is why it is vital to not neglect your heart health at all and responsibly maintain a healthy, stress-free, and more importantly, a happy lifestyle. Here are a few simple lifestyle changes that will help support a healthy heart function. Switch to a healthy diet Avoid eating foods that are rich in trans and saturated fats. Most foods you find on the shelves of the supermarket contain large quantities of one or the other. Instead, switch to low-fat high fiber alternatives to help manage cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level in the body automatically reduces the risk of heart diseases. The simple reason for this is that fats that normally block major arteries and blood vessels are eliminated from these foods choices. It is also advisable to limit the salt (sodium) intake to control blood pressure and sugar to reduce the risk of diabetes simultaneously. Change certain lifestyle habits Reduce the number of alcoholic or carbonated drinks you have regularly. For men, it is advisable to have not more than two drinks and day and women must have only one.

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