11:00 pm
Saturday, December 24, 2022
Books – Sayed Metwally
The appearance of cancer symptoms marks the beginning of a difficult journey filled with uncertainty. It is difficult to pinpoint the moment when cancer symptoms appear because they often seep into your life over a long period of time. This makes them easy to miss.
Symptoms of cancer are not usually obvious but creep into your life over several months or years, according to Cancer Research UK. Shortness of breath affects between five and seven out of 10 cancer patients – do you suffer from it? British Express.
Improving awareness of warning signs is vital because early detection leads to better outcomes. Although some symptoms are unique, some spread across different types of cancer, such as shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath occurs when you don’t take in enough oxygen and your lungs try to take in more air to make up for it.
According to Cancer Research UK, between five and seven in 10 cancer patients (50% to 70%) experience these symptoms at some point during their illness.
This number rises to nine in 10 (90 percent) for people with advanced lung cancer. You’re more likely to have breathing problems if you have:
Lung Cancer
Cancer Research UK explains: “Shortness of breath can be very unpleasant and frightening, and can make you feel very anxious and panicky, making it even more difficult to catch your breath.”
People with cancer can experience shortness of breath for many different reasons.
Once your doctor finds the cause of your breathing problems, there is usually some type of treatment that will help.
Other symptoms of cancer include:
fatigue
A lump or thickened area that can be felt under the skin
Weight changes, including unintended gain or loss
Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening, or redness of the skin, sores that don’t heal, or changes in existing moles
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
persistent cough
Difficulty swallowing
Hoarseness
Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
Persistent and unexplained muscle or joint pain
Persistent and unexplained fever or night sweats
Unexplained bleeding or bruising.
How do you prepare?
It’s important to be aware of any new or worrisome symptoms. Although it’s very unlikely to be cancer, it’s important to speak to a GP so they can investigate. Catching cancer early means it’s easier to treat.
If your doctor suspects cancer, he or she will refer you to a specialist – usually within two weeks.
How to reduce your risk
Making some simple changes to your lifestyle can greatly reduce your risk of developing cancer.
According to Macmillan Cancer Support, about one in three cases of the most common cancers (about 33 percent) can be prevented by eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and being more active.
Eating a well-balanced diet is good for your overall health and helps reduce the risk of some types of cancer. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight.
Eating plenty of high-fiber foods helps reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
Red and processed meats have also been linked to an increased risk of bowel and prostate cancer in several studies.
Red meat includes beef, lamb and veal.
Several studies have found that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing cancer.