It may seem normal, but it could actually be an early warning sign
Don’t ignore these signs(Image: Getty)
Feeling full is completely normal – especially after a takeaway or one too many helpings at dinner. But in some cases, a lesser-known type of persistent fullness can be a warning sign of cancer.
Sharing “symptoms of cancer you might be ignoring but shouldn’t”, Johns Hopkins Medicine stresses that while some cancer diagnoses come with no symptoms at all, more often, there are signs the body gives. And being ‘full’ can act as an early warning sign.
The healthcare professionals advise paying close attention to your body so you can spot any symptoms that start suddenly or begin to worsen. If that happens, it’s worth speaking to your GP to make sure there’s nothing to worry about.
5 symptoms of cancer you might be ignoring but shouldn’t
1. Shortness of Breath – This can have lots of causes, including something as straightforward as needing to build up your fitness. But if you’re finding yourself breathless during everyday tasks or when walking up stairs, that isn’t normal and should be checked out.
2. Lumps and Masses – Sometimes, lumps can be completely normal. For example, a cold can cause your lymph nodes to enlarge. This is temporary and is your body’s way of fighting off the cold. If you are worried or there is no clear reason, seek help from your GP.
3. Difficulty Swallowing or Feeling Full – Do you feel like food gets stuck in your throat, or that swallowing is difficult? This is known as dysphagia. It isn’t always a sign of cancer, but if it worsens over time you should speak to your doctor. Maybe you notice a “full” feeling even when you’re hardly eating – that also warrants a visit to your doctor.
4. Changes in Body Functions – There are other ways your body may try to alert you to a potential cancer. You should contact your doctor if you have these symptoms:
- Sudden constipation or diarrhoea
- Difficulty passing urine or passing stool
- Passing air in urine or urine mixed in your stool
- Feeling like you’re not emptying your bowels completely
- Any other change from your normal bowel function
5. Bleeding – Doctors consider certain types of bleeding more indicative of cancer than others. While they could be caused by other conditions, these types of bleeding should be evaluated by a doctor.
Bleeding to look out for includes:
- Coughing up blood, called hemoptysis
- Blood in stool, which can look dark or tarry
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Bloody nipple discharge
What can I do to reduce my risk of getting cancer?
Cancer Research notes that while there is no sure way to prevent cancer and “no guarantees” even if you do make changes. But there are “healthy changes” that can “help reduce your risk.”
It explains: “A person’s risk of cancer depends on many different things. This includes things we can’t change, like getting older and our genetics. As well as exposure to cancer risk factors.
“The world around us can make it harder to be healthy. The world around us also affects how healthy we are, like whether we can access healthier food options or have opportunities for exercising.
“These challenges can impact some people more than others. While there are things we can do to help us form healthy habits, we also need the government to help make it easier for everyone to be healthy.”
While there is no way to fully prevent it, you can try the following:
- Stop smoking
- Keep a healthy weight
- Protect your skin from the sun
- Cut down on alcohol
- Have a healthy, balanced diet
- Get the HPV vaccine