In recent decades, the number of cancer cases has skyrocketed around the world.
Multiple factors can increase the risk of developing cancer cells, such as genetics, age, or environment. Still, early detection remains the main weapon against the often fatal disease.
The data suggests that compared to men, women have a higher risk of developing cancer. As such, on this World Day to Fight Cancer, noted today, February 4, the Times of India newspaper spoke with doctor Geeth Monnappa, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Fortis La Femme Hospital in Bengaluru , about the potential symptoms of the disease that they should be aware of. Namely:
1. Abnormal bleeding
Occasionally all women experience irregular periods or menstrual cramps. However, persistent pain or cycle changes can be a sign of cancer.
“Periods that last more than seven days or with the passage of large blood clots, the bleeding being considered a heavy period, which is not normal,” explains Monnappa. Adding that even the appearance of bleeding in the middle of the month is a matter of concern. For the specialist this may be a sign of cancer of the cervix, uterus or ovary.
2. Bleeding after sexual intercourse
Spotting or bleeding after sexual intercourse can occur due to various reasons. They can be a sign of infection, vaginal dryness and in the worst cases of cervical cancer. In fact, about 11% of bleeding after sex is due to the presence of a tumor.
3. Bleeding after menopause
In medical science, if a woman does not bleed for a year after age 40, she is considered to be in menopause. Monnappa refers that the incidence of spotting or bleeding after menopause can occur due to uterine or cervical cancer.
4. Intense menstrual cramps
Periods are often accompanied by pain and cramps. These are quite normal before and during the menstrual cycle, except when they appear after the age of 40.
“Severe menstrual cramps in the period after 40 can be a symptom of cancer,” says the doctor.
5. Abdominal bloating
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are the most difficult to diagnose, because there are no specific signs. Any type of bloating or bloating, indigestion, change in bowel habits, weight loss, and loss of appetite can be a sign of ovarian cancer.
6. Changes in the breast
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. You should see a gynecologist if you notice a lump, bleeding from the nipples, or change in the skin of the nipples. Redness and thickening of the skin on the chest may in turn indicate a rare form of breast cancer.
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