The 6 sneaky cancer symptoms you might notice while decorating your Christmas tree
One of the great delights of the holiday season is decorating your Christmas tree.
However, it might be time to consult a physician if the typically simple task appears significantly more challenging than in years past.
Breathlessness and shoulder pain are examples of potential warning flags that could indicate malignancy.
“Contact your GP as soon as possible if you notice a change in your health that is unusual for you or isn’t going away,” said Dr. Julie Sharp, head of health and patient participation at Cancer Research UK.
“Your doctor is there for you and wants to hear about any concerns.”
As you decorate the halls this December, we examine six of the most prevalent cancer signs that may manifest.
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1. Dizziness
Occasionally feeling dizzy is usually not a cause for concern.
Therefore, you probably don’t need to freak out if you find yourself feeling a little lightheaded while preparing for Christmas.
You should see your doctor, though, if the feeling lasts longer than a few days.
Dizziness and an unsteady gait may indicate blood cancer or an abrain tumor, albeit this is improbable.
2. Breathlessness
Another thing to look out for is feeling breathless regularly or after doing activities that are typically regarded as mild.
It is among the main signs of lung cancer, or cancer that has progressed from another part of the body to the lung.
If you experience sudden dyspnea, worsening breathing, or breathing pain, call your general practitioner.
CRUK advises calling 999 or going to the closest A&E department if you require immediate assistance.
3. Aches and pains
There may be some minor discomfort when reaching to place the star on top of the tree or stringing fairy lights around it.
However, persistent or inexplicable pains and aches may potentially indicate malignancy.
These symptoms’ location may reveal the type (for instance, chest pain for lung cancer), but it may also suggest that the disease has spread.
This indicates that a health screening is necessary.
4. Croaky voice
The music is one of the most recognizable aspects of Christmas, and families frequently play festive songs as they decorate.
It could be worthwhile to schedule a visit with your physician if you find yourself hoarsely singing along to Mariah Carey’s beloved song, “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
A cold, allergies, or another ailment might produce mild croakiness.
However, according to CRUK, it may indicate lung, throat, or laryngeal cancer if it lasts longer than three weeks.
5. Fatigue
It can be a little exhausting to engage in any physical activity, such as cleaning or decorating.
“But if you re feeling tired for no clear reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong,” said Dr. Sharp.
A typical symptom of breast, colon, and prostate cancers, as well as blood malignancies including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, is extreme weariness.
According to CRUK estimates, fatigue affects over 65% of cancer patients.
6. Sweating
Layers are essential while going outside because winter in the UK is cold.
However, even without the additional clothing, your body temperature can rise rapidly if you enter a warm, cozy building.
It can be a sign to keep an eye on if the hot feeling and profuse perspiration persist.
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An infection may occasionally be the cause of hot flushes, which can range from a mild sensation of warmth in the face, neck, and chest to nocturnal sweats that spread throughout your entire body.
Leukemia, lymphoma, mesothelioma, and cancers of the liver and bones are among the cancers for which it is a sign.
General signs and symptoms of cancer to look out for
It’s critical to recognize any new or concerning symptoms.
Even while it’s not likely to be cancer, it’s still crucial to have your doctor examine your symptoms. Early detection of cancer makes treatment simpler.
Consult your general practitioner if you encounter any of the following symptoms.
Breathlessness, chest discomfort, and coughing
if your cough lasts longer than three weeks. Chest pain or shortness of breath may also be symptoms of pneumonia.
Modifications to bowel habits
if you observe three weeks or longer of variations in your regular bowel motions.
Among the modifications are:
- Tummy discomfort
- Blood in your poo
- Diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason
- A feeling of not having fully emptied your bowels after going to the toilet
- Pain in your stomach or bottom (anus)
- Your poo is loose, pale or looks greasy
Bloating
if your bloating has persisted for three weeks or longer.
Bleeding
If you suffer from inexplicable bleeding, like
- Blood in urine
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Vaginal bleeding a year or more after the menopause
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Blood when you cough
- Blood in your vomit
Lumps
If you see a lump in your breast or if you have a lump on another part of your body that is visibly getting bigger.
Mole
Should you possess a mole that:
- Changes shape or looks uneven
- Changes colour, gets darker or has more than two colours
- Starts itching, crusting, flaking or bleeding
- Gets larger or more raised from the skin
Unaccounted-for weight loss
If you have lost weight in the past few months, it cannot be attributed to dietary, activity, or stress-related changes.
Back or stomach ache
if you’re experiencing back or stomach pain and you’re unsure of the cause.
Heartburn and indigestion
if you frequently have heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion and you’re unsure of the cause.
Skin that is yellow or itchy
Jaundice may be indicated if your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow. Additionally, if your urine appears darker than normal.
Feeling worn out and ill
if you feel anxious or ill all the time and don’t know why, or if you suspect something is wrong.
From the NHS
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