Revealed: The early warning signs of the three most common forms of cancer

With South Africa’s annual cancer shavathon taking place Saturday, the spotlight is firmly on cancer this week.

Now we all know that detecting cancer early is the number one thing you can do to tip the odds of surviving cancer in your favour.

Breast cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer are the most common forms of the disease. By detecting these cancers early, you can increase your chance of survival dramatically.
 
But do you know what warnings signs to look out for?

Don’t overlook these cancer warning signs

Breast cancer warning signs: According to webMD.com, breast cancer warnings signs to look out for include:

• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle
• A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea
• A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast
• A blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple
• A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed)
• Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple

“Studies dating back to the 1960s have shown that clinical examination of the breast, coupled with routine mammography can reduce the projected death rate of cancer by up to 30%,” reports William L. Fischer author behind How to Fight Cancer and Win.

And remember, breast cancer checks are vital in men too – as 5% of all breast cancer sufferers are male.

Prostate cancer warning signs: When it comes to warning signs that something could be wrong with your prostate it all comes down to your urination habits. If you urinate more, can’t hold your urine, have to get up frequency at night and have difficulty when trying to urinate, you could be at risk of prostate cancer.

Lung cancer warning signs: These include:

• Shortness of breath
• Cough that doesn’t go away
• Coughing up blood
• Pain in Your shoulder, chest or back
• Recurrent Pneumonia or Bronchitis
• Hoarseness

Bottom line: By knowing what warning signs to look for, you can make a difference in your survival rate. After all, early detection is the only way to ensure you get cancer treatment early.