Cancer has become a major global health problem, especially among middle-aged and older people.
As we age, our risk of cancer increases. According to statistics, most cancer patients are over the age of 65.
Therefore, timely understanding and recognition of possible early signs of cancer is essential to improve treatment effectiveness and survival rates.
Common cancer symptoms
Fatigue is a very common symptom in cancer patients. According to incomplete statistics, about 80% of cancer patients experience fatigue at some stage of the disease.
This type of fatigue is different from general tiredness in that it does not subside with rest or sleep and tends to appear suddenly, seriously affecting the patient's daily activities.
Fatigue can be caused by the cancer itself, or it can be a side effect of treatment, such as chemotherapy.
A sudden change in weight, whether it is an increase or a loss, can be a warning sign of cancer. Weight loss of more than 5% in a short period of time without a significant change in diet or exercise habits should be a cause for concern.
This weight change may be due to the growth of tumors, which consumes a lot of energy or affects the body's normal absorption of food.
Some cancer symptoms are not only directly related to cancer cells, but may also be related to the body's immune response to cancer.
For example, studies have shown that an inflammatory response may encourage tumor cells to grow and spread, while leading to an increase in the body's energy expenditure, which can cause feelings of fatigue.
Eating problems
Digestive disorders, especially those that range from mild discomfort to serious lesions such as cancer, are something we need to take seriously.
For example, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting – seemingly everyday ailments – may be warning signs that our body is sending.
Do you sometimes feel like you can't eat anything? You might think it's just because you're stressed and in a bad mood.
Yes, these psychological factors can indeed lead to loss of appetite, but if this persists, it may be a concern to consider whether there is a problem with some part of the body, such as the stomach or esophagus.
In fact, loss of appetite is sometimes an early sign of stomach or esophageal cancer.
Let's talk about dysphagia. This may be because of inflammation of the esophagus, or a slight narrowing of the esophagus.
But if this dysphagia gets worse, it may not just be a simple inflammation, it could be a sign of esophageal cancer. If you find yourself having trouble drinking water, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Abdominal pain is a more complicated topic, as it can be caused by a variety of causes, including some less serious conditions such as indigestion or gastritis.
However, if abdominal pain persists and is difficult to explain, further testing may be needed for stomach cancer or other more serious gastrointestinal disorders.
As for nausea and vomiting, although they are usually associated with gastritis or food poisoning, if they do not go away for a long time and are accompanied by weight loss or loss of appetite, it may be a sign of stomach or esophageal cancer.
Based on these symptoms, doctors usually recommend appropriate diagnostic tests, such as endoscopy, to ensure that problems can be detected early and treatment can begin.
Swelling or lumps in any part of the body
In our daily lives, sudden swelling or lumps in the body are often a warning from the body.
These signals, whether in the breast or elsewhere in the body, can signal health problems ranging from benign conditions such as cysts to serious cancers.
According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women worldwide. Early recognition and timely treatment play a crucial role in improving survival.
For example, according to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate can reach more than 90% if breast cancer is detected at an early stage.
Therefore, if you notice abnormalities such as lumps, sunken skin, abnormal nipple secretion, or changes in shape of your breasts, you should seek medical help immediately.
Similarly, lumps in other parts of the body should not be ignored. Swollen lymph nodes may be the body fighting an infection, or it may be an early sign of certain types of cancer such as lymphoma.
An enlarged thyroid gland may indicate abnormal thyroid function, while an unusual lump in the abdomen may indicate a digestive disorder.
To diagnose these lumps, doctors usually use a range of methods, including a physical examination, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs, and necessary laboratory tests. In some cases, a biopsy may be the only way to confirm the nature of the mass.
It is worth mentioning that the appearance of a lump does not necessarily mean a disease. For example, a breast lump in an adolescent girl is usually a normal physiological change, and a lump under the skin in an older person may be a benign lipoma.
The key lies in timely identification and appropriate medical consultation.
Patients may feel great anxiety and fear in the face of a possible illness. Therefore, the medical team should provide professional medical care while also providing psychological support to help the patient maintain a positive attitude.
Whether it's a lump in the breast, or swelling in other areas, it's a health sign that we can't ignore. With timely medical examinations and accurate diagnoses, we can effectively identify problems and develop appropriate treatment plans.
At the same time, healthcare providers need to focus on the overall well-being of their patients, ensuring that each patient receives comprehensive and humane care.
Regular cancer screenings
Cancer screening, a life-saving technology in the medical community, has saved countless lives around the world. These procedures greatly expand treatment options and improve a patient's chances of survival by detecting potential cancer lesions at an early stage.
They are now a central part of global public health policies aimed at reducing the pain and death caused by cancer.
Breast cancer and prostate cancer, as the two most common types of cancer, are screened mainly for blood tests and routine physical examinations.
In breast cancer screening, blood tests usually look for specific tumor markers, while routine physical exams include breast self-exams as well as a clinical breast exam by your doctor.
More advanced screening techniques, such as mammography (mammalian photography) and breast ultrasound, allow doctors to spot tiny lumps and unusual tissue changes inside the breast.
Screening for prostate cancer relies on measuring the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by prostate cells, and elevated levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer or other prostate diseases.
Although the PSA test has its limitations, such as the potential for overdiagnosis, doctors will decide whether to perform the test based on the individual's age, family medical history, and other relevant risk factors.
Screening for colon cancer is usually done through a colonoscopy, which allows doctors to look directly inside the colon.
Colonoscopy can be used not only to detect cancer, but also to remove polyps that may turn into cancer during the examination.
In addition to this, there are other non-invasive tests such as fecal occult blood tests and fecal DNA tests, which can be done at home, providing convenience for those who are not suitable for colonoscopy.
However, cancer screening does have certain risks and limitations, including the possibility of false-positive results, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety and further invasive tests.
There is also a chance of false-negative results, which are missed for the cancer that is actually present. Therefore, screening decisions should be highly personalized, taking into account the patient's overall health and specific cancer risk.
With the continuous advancement of medical technology and emerging treatments, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the survival rate and quality of life of cancer patients have been significantly improved.
Association of diet and cancer
Scientific studies continue to reveal the link between various dietary habits and cancer risk. For example, a high-fiber diet not only improves gut health, but also significantly reduces the risk of certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer.
This is because fiber accelerates the passage of food debris through the intestines, reducing the amount of time the intestinal wall is in contact with potential carcinogens. According to research, increasing your fiber intake by 5 grams per day can reduce the risk of death from colorectal cancer by 22%.
In contrast, processed meat has a significantly higher risk than unprocessed meat due to the possible addition of carcinogens such as nitrites and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during processing.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a daily intake of 50 grams of processed meat products is associated with an 18% increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Therefore, cancer risk can be effectively reduced by choosing natural, unprocessed meat and more plant-based protein sources.
In addition, the idea of a balanced diet is not just about choosing healthy foods. It also includes a comprehensive consideration of where the food comes from, how it is cooked, and how well it is processed.
For example, low-temperature cooking methods such as steaming can significantly reduce the production of carcinogens compared to high-temperature frying. Choosing organic food can avoid the intake of pesticides and chemical additives, further reducing the risk of cancer.
When it comes to alcohol consumption, while moderate consumption of certain types of alcohol may be beneficial for heart health, alcohol is also a known risk factor for cancer, particularly associated with cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and breast.
Therefore, alcohol intake should be limited, even in social situations.
Overall, with comprehensive dietary management, we can not only reduce the risk of cancer but also promote overall health. This includes choosing fiber-rich foods, limiting processed meat and alcohol, and adopting healthy cooking methods.
By living like this, we can not only prevent cancer, but also improve our quality of life and enjoy a healthier, longer life.
This prevention-oriented eating strategy requires us to make consistent and conscious choices in our daily lives.
References are as follows:
[1] JAMA Oncol: Increasing dietary fiber intake can reduce the mortality rate of colorectal cancer