World Cancer Day 2024: Life-Saving Warning Signs for Early Cancer Detection

World Cancer Day is observed on February 4. It is an initiative which is led by the Union for International Cancer Contro (UICC). On this day, people unite from all over the world to support those who are suffering from this fatal disease and raise awareness about the spread of cancer and tips to prevent it.

As per the report of UICC, around 10 million people die from cancer globally every year. Cancer, at an early stage, remains undetected as the signs and symptoms of these diseases begin to appear after it enters the advanced stage. Cancer can be found incidentally through laboratory tests or X-rays. Hence, to diagnose cancer early, here are a few warning signs of some common cancer that everyone should be aware of:

Breast Cancer

It is one of the most common cancers in women. The basic symptom of breast cancer is the emergence of a new lump in the breast or underarm. Other warning signs include the thickening or swelling of a part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of the breast skin and redness in the nipple area of the breast. If you feel any pain in the breast, then you must visit the doctor for the diagnosis of breast cancer.

Lung Cancer

As per the report of World Cancer Research Fund International, lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. It can be diagnosed in both men and women. One of the primary symptoms of lung cancer is believed to be cough and shortness of breath. However, other symptoms such as chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss and coughing up blood also constitute the warning signs of lung cancer.

Colon Cancer

As per medical experts, colon cancer does not present its symptoms in early stages and by the time symptoms appear, the cancer cells have spread all over the body. Hence, recognising early warning signs becomes necessary. Some of the early symptoms include changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea, constipation and stringy stools. Constant abdominal pain or cramping can also be early warning signs of Colon Cancer. Fatigue, weakness and rectal bleeding are also common symptoms of colon cancer.