The 8 cancer symptoms you might notice while wrapping Christmas presents revealed
With Christmas just a few days away, many of us who have put off wrapping gifts until the last minute are in a hurry.
You may be focused on making your gifts appear as lovely as possible, but as you’re cutting paper or fumbling with the sellotape, you may notice a few oddities.
Many symptoms, such as fatigue, impaired vision, and shaky hands, can likely be attributed to late nights or too many mulled wines.
However, in certain instances, they might be early indicators of illnesses like cancer.
It’s a good idea to get evaluated if you do notice any worrying signs while preparing for Christmas.
Early detection of cancer makes treatment easier, according to the NHS.
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It’s critical to recognize any new or concerning symptoms.
“Although it’s unlikely to be cancer, it’s important to speak to a GP so they can investigate.”
These are some signs that could appear over the holiday season.
1. Fatigue
Many people find that wrapping presents can be mentally taxing and induce drowsiness.
Additionally, Christmas is a very taxing time of year because it involves a lot of socializing, late nights, and, for some, alcohol use.
Therefore, feeling more exhausted than usual is quite natural.
However, it can be an indication that something is amiss if you are unable to pinpoint a specific cause for your exhaustion and it persists.
Blood malignancies include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma can cause fatigue.
2. Croaky voice
Many people find that wrapping gifts is the ideal opportunity to put on their finest singing voice and blast Christmas music.
However, if you compete with Mariah Carey for hours on end, your voice may sound a little hoarse.
With so many colds and viruses circulating this time of year, a croaky voice is typical.
The NHS states that it typically indicates acute laryngitis, an inflammation of the voicebox.
With a little TLC and a few early bedtimes, you can generally fix it.
However, Cancer Research UK (CRUK) advises that a rough voice that hasn’t disappeared should be investigated.
According to the organization, it might indicate lung, throat, or laryngeal cancer.
3. Shaky hands
It takes a firm hand to cut through wrapping paper, at least if you want your gifts to look nice and presentable.
Uncontrollably shaking hands might indicate a variety of conditions, including advanced age.
However, tremors may occasionally indicate an abrain tumor.
This is because, according to CRUK, tremors are usually brought on by problems in the cerebellum and other areas of the brain that regulate movement.
4. Unexplained pain or aches
As we age, it’s common to feel increased pain, particularly while hunched over presents and wrapping paper on the floor.
However, according to CRUK, unexplained discomfort may indicate bone malignancy.
Usually, the condition starts as a discomfort in the damaged bone, which develops into a persistent or intermittent aching.
The pain can sometimes be wrongly mistaken forarthritisin adults andgrowing painsin children and teenagers.
5. Blurred vision
Having to blink, squint or rub your eyes a lot to get a clearer view of what you are wrapping could be a sign of ageing – or maybe you need a new pair of specs.
But sometimes, it can be a sign of a brain tumour.
Tumour symptoms can include changes in vision, like blurred or double vision, according to theBrain Tumour Charity.
This happens when the growth presses on the optic nerve.
6. Forgetfulness
Forgetting things from time to time is perfectly normal.
But if you frequently forget who’s gift is whose or where you put the sellotape, that could be a sign of something serious.
According to theMayo Clinic, frontal lobe brain tumours can cause personality changes, including forgetfulness.
7. Skin changes
Gift wrapping means lots of time spent staring down at your hands.
If you notice a new spot on your hands or wrists, a cut that doesn’t heal or something that looks like awart, even if painless, a doctor must check it.
Similarly, you should be aware of any new or existingmolesthat change in size, shape or colour, become crusty, itch, hurt, bleed or ooze.
Any unusual change in a patch of skin or a nail, whether it s a new change or has been there for a while, should be checked out by your doctor.
8. Sweating
We all know wrapping can be pretty exhausting, especially if you have a mountain of gifts.
But it shouldn’t leave you sweating.
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Hot flushes can sometimes indicate an infection or the menopause.
But sweating is also a symptom of several types of cancer, including leukaemia,lymphoma, mesothelioma, and cancer of the liver and bone.
General signs and symptoms of cancer to look out for
It’s important to be aware of any new or worrying symptoms.
While it’s unlikely to be cancer, it’s important to get symptoms checked out by your doctor. Finding cancer early means it’s easier to treat.
If you experience the following symptoms, speak to your GP.
Coughing, chest pain and breathlessness
If you experience a cough for three weeks or more. Shortness of breath or chest pain can also be signs of pneumonia.
Changes in bowel habits
If you notice changes in your usual bowel habits that last three weeks or more.
Changes include:
- 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 you’ve had bloating for three weeks or more.
Bleeding
If you experience unexplained bleeding such as:
- 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 notice a lump in your breast or if you have a lump that’s noticeable increasing in size somewhere else on your body.
Moles
If you have 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
Unexplained weight loss
If you’ve lost weight over the last couple of months that cannot be explained by changes to your diet, exercise or stress.
Tummy or back pain
If you have pain anywhere in your tummy or back and you’re not sure what’s causing it.
Indigestion and heartburn
If you experience indigestion, heartburn or acid reflux regularly and you’re not sure why.
Itchy or yellow skin
If the skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow – this could indicate jaundice. Also, if your pee looks darker than usual.
Feeling tired and unwell
If you think something isn’t right or you keep feeling tired or unwell and you’re not sure why.
Source: NHS
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