1:32 pm
Monday 12 December 2022
Books – Sayed Metwally
The onset of cancer symptoms marks the beginning of a difficult and uncertain journey. It is difficult to pinpoint when cancer symptoms appear because they often infiltrate your life for a long time. This makes it easy to miss them.
Symptoms of cancer aren’t usually obvious, but they creep into your life over several months or years, according to Cancer Research UK. Shortness of breath affects between five and seven in 10 cancer patients – do you suffer from it? British Express.
Improving awareness of the warning signs is key because early detection leads to better outcomes. While some symptoms are unique, some are spread across different cancer types, such as shortness of breath.
Shortness of breath occurs when you don’t get enough oxygen and your lungs try to draw in more air to compensate.
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%) for people with advanced lung cancer. You’re more likely to have trouble breathing if you have:
Lung cancer
Cancer Research UK explains: ‘Shortness of breath can be very uncomfortable and frightening and can leave you feeling very anxious and panicked, 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 unintentional 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 to prepare
It is important to be aware of any new or worrying symptoms. While it’s very unlikely it’s cancer, it’s important to talk to a primary care doctor so they can investigate. Catching cancer early means it’s easier to treat.
If your doctor suspects cancer, they’ll refer you to a specialist, usually within two weeks.
How to reduce the risk
Making a few simple changes to your lifestyle can greatly reduce your risk of developing cancer.
According to Macmillan Cancer Support, about one in three of the most common cancers (about 33%) can be prevented by eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and being more active.
Eating a well-balanced diet is good for overall health and helps reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight.
Eating plenty of fiber-rich 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.
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