The Cancer thread: Cancer, early warning signs, and detection

[DarkSkies]

(Image © Rex Features)

Lung
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in men and the second most common in women. The disease kills 1.3 million people worldwide every year. Smoking is the primary cause, so it should go without saying that giving up cigarettes goes a long way to preventing the disease. If you must (and you really, really shouldn’t) smoke tobacco, then be aware of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, coughing up blood, wheezing, chest pain, weight loss, fatigue, pain when swallowing and loss of appetite.

For more information go to - http://www.lunguk.org/

[DarkSkies]

Skin
Skin cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in the world, but it is thankfully also one that is commonly caught in its early stages (any tumours are usually clearly visible on the surface of the skin). Overexposure to UV light is the main cause, so always wear sunscreen or sun-protective clothing when you are out in the sun. Symptoms to look out for include any unexpected changes to the skin that do not heal, ulcers on the skin and any change in appearance to an existing mole.

For more information go to - http://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/

[DarkSkies]

Bowel
Bowel cancer is the second most lethal cancer in the UK (lung cancer is the deadliest). Over 35,000 people will be diagnosed this year, and for roughly half of them it will prove fatal. However, bowel cancer is also one of the most curable variants of the disease – if it is caught early. So what symptoms should you be on the lookout for? Stay alert to any changes in your bowel movement habits (if you go more or less often that usual), bleeding from your bottom, abdominal pain, lumps in your stomach, fatigue or sudden weight loss.

For more information go to - http://www.beatingbowelcancer.org

[DarkSkies]

This would be the freakiest cancer I could get, one I would not want to hear about if I got it. The thing is, early detection here and with other cancers could save your life. I know these things aren't comfortable to talk about, but if your life is at stake, isn't it worth knowing this info?


Testicles
Testicular cancer is most common in white men aged between 15-35 years, but has an unusually high cure rate of over 90%. So good news for men who worry about the disease (that should be all of you), but early diagnoses is, as always, desirable and experts recommend a monthly self-inspection for any small lumps. Other symptoms include, hardening of the testis, abnormal sensitivity, pain, loss of libido, blood in the semen and fatigue.

It’s all about ball control, chaps.

For more information go to - http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/

[DarkSkies]

Stomach
Stomach cancer causes around one million deaths worldwide every year and is the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide after lung cancer. Common in the Far East, South America and Iceland, stomach cancer has been linked to a diet that is high in salt, smoking and poor diet. Unfortunately, in its early stages stomach cancer is very hard to diagnose, mainly because its symptoms are predominantly non-specific, such as indigestion and lack of appetite. When recognisable symptoms do occur, the cancer has commonly spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms which should give rise to concern are abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, sudden weight loss, constipation, bloating, fatigue, vomiting blood or bleeding from the bottom.

For more information go to - http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/

[DarkSkies]

(these symptoms and resources are all from the same source)
http://style.uk.msn.com/wellbeing/mi...mentid=9510204


Breast Cancer symptoms:

Breast
Breast cancer is the most common form of the disease amongst women. The disease killed over 500,000 women in 2005 and cases are on the increase thanks to modern lifestyles. The most common sign of the disease is a lump in the breast (80% of cases are discovered this way by the patient herself). Doctors will them conduct a mammogram to determine the seriousness of the lump. Other symptoms include changes in breast size, discharge from one of the nipples or dimpling of the skin. All women should check their breasts regularly and consult their doctor if any of these symptoms appear.

For more information go to - http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk


Cervical cancer symptoms:

Cervical
Cervical cancer occurs when cells in the woman’s cervix grow out of control. In 2003, 2300 women in England were diagnosed with the disease. Again, early diagnoses is essential if the condition is to be treated. Deaths from cervical cancer have actually fallen sharply over the last 20 years, primarily because of an NHS screening programme which detects the cancer at an early stage, before the patient is even showing any symptoms. If the condition is not spotted, however, symptoms to look out for include abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge and discomfort during intercourse. If you experience these symptoms, chances are it is down to something a lot less serious, but get yourself checked out just in case.

For more information go to - http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk

[DarkSkies]

Related Links

20 foods that fight cancer

Cervical cancer: vital information

DIY health checks