Early cancer symptoms: You should react to these signs

2023-01-04T04:01:04.433Z

Recognizing early cancer symptoms: which warning signs you should react to Created: 04/01/2023 04:54 By: Sophia Lother Cancer often develops gradually. But you should pay attention to some symptoms. Kassel – Cancer is one of the most common types of death in Germany. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, around 200,000 people die every year as a result of cancer. For many type

Recognizing early cancer symptoms: which warning signs you should react to

Created: 04/01/2023 04:54

By: Sophia Lother

Cancer often develops gradually.

But you should pay attention to some symptoms.

Kassel – Cancer is one of the most common types of death in Germany.

According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, around 200,000 people die every year as a result of cancer.

For many types of tumors, early detection is therefore all the more important.

But that often fell short.

In the corona pandemic, many cancers were discovered too late.

According to the German Cancer Research Center (dkfz), around 500,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year.

It is assumed that early detection of cancer can improve the chances of recovery and reduce cancer mortality, according to the dkfz.

But what are the symptoms of early-stage cancer?

Early detection of cancer can be extremely important.

(symbol photo) © YAY Images/Imago

Detecting Cancer Symptoms Early: Which Signs Can Occur?

Importantly, just because you notice any changes or signs in your body, don't panic.

The American Cancer Society also emphasizes this and explains: “Most signs and symptoms are not caused by cancer, but can have other causes.

If you have signs and symptoms that won't go away or are getting worse, you should see a doctor to find out what's causing them."

According to the society, the following general symptoms can indicate cancer:

Tiredness or extreme tiredness that does not improve with rest
Weight loss or gain of several kilograms or more for no apparent reason
Trouble eating, such as not feeling hungry, difficulty swallowing
abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
swelling, bumps, or lumps in the body
Pain that does not go away or gets worse, especially when it is new or appears for no apparent reason
Skin changes such as a lump that bleeds or flakes, a new mole or change in a mole, a wound that does not heal, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Cough or hoarseness that doesn't go away
Unusual bleeding or bruising for no apparent reason
Changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea that do not go away, or changes in the appearance of the stool
Bladder changes such as painful urination, blood in the urine, or urinating more or less frequently
fever or night sweats
headache
vision or hearing problems
Changes in the mouth, such as sores, bleeding, pain or numbness

Cancer symptoms and early detection: What experts recommend

Early cancer detection is defined by the dkfz in such a way that "changes in the tissue are diagnosed at an early stage", namely "before they cause pain or other symptoms - and to remove them".

In Germany there are such early detection tests for colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and cervical cancer.