Self-awareness of early cancer detection is necessary as it can save lives. In this article, we will learn about common symptoms and warning signs of different cancer types. How one can develop self-examination for detecting cancer. Learn more:

2. How Early Cancer Detection is Useful?
Early cancer detection is essential for boosting survival rates and
optimizing treatment results. Millions of people worldwide are
impacted by the complex disease known as cancer. Let’s talk
about the significance of cancer awareness and offer useful
advice on how to spot early warning signs and symptoms.

3. Organ Common Types of Cancer Warning Signs and Symptoms
Breast Breast Cancer
Lump or thickening in the breast, changes in
breast size or shape, nipple discharge or
inversion, skin changes (dimpling, redness, or
puckering)
Lung Lung Cancer
Persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of
breath, coughing up blood, hoarseness,
recurrent respiratory infections
Colon/Rectum Colorectal Cancer
Changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea or
constipation), blood in stool, abdominal pain
or cramps, unexplained weight loss
Prostate Prostate Cancer
Frequent urination, weak urine flow, pain or
discomfort in the pelvic area
Skin Melanoma
Unusual skin growth or changes in moles
(asymmetry, irregular borders, colour
variations, size enlargement), sores that don't
heal, itchiness or tenderness
Cervix Cervical Cancer
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or
discomfort, increased vaginal discharge, post
coital bleed
Ovary Ovarian Cancer
Abdominal bloating or swelling, pelvic pain,
frequent urination, feeling full quickly, changes
in bowel habits
Pancreas Pancreatic Cancer
Abdominal pain or discomfort, unexplained
weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of skin and
eyes), loss of appetite, digestive problems
Liver Liver Cancer
Abdominal pain or swelling, unexplained
weight loss, jaundice, fatigue, loss of appetite,
nausea or vomiting
Stomach Stomach Cancer
Abdominal pain or discomfort, indigestion,
heartburn, nausea or vomiting, bloating,
unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing
Bladder Bladder Cancer
Blood in urine, frequent urination, pain or
burning during urination, pelvic pain, urinary
urgency or incontinence

4. Regular Examinations and Tests for Cancer Detection
Type of Cancer Screening/Diagnostic Test Targeted Population
Breast Cancer Mammogram
Women aged 40 and above
(recommendations may vary)
Cervical Cancer Pap Smear
Women aged 21 and above
(recommendations may vary)
Colorectal Cancer Colonoscopy
Adults aged 45-75 (earlier for high-risk
individuals)
Prostate Cancer Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
Men aged 50 and above (earlier for high-risk
individuals)
Lung Cancer Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) Scan
Adults aged 55-80 with a significant smoking
history
Skin Cancer Skin Examination and Biopsy
Individuals with suspicious skin lesions or
high-risk
Ovarian Cancer Transvaginal Ultrasound, CA-125 Test
Women with a family history or high-risk
factors
Pancreatic Cancer No specific routine screening
High-risk individuals may undergo genetic
testing
Liver Cancer No specific routine screening
High-risk individuals may undergo imaging
tests
Stomach Cancer No specific routine screening High-risk individuals may undergo endoscopy
Bladder Cancer Urine Cytology, Cystoscopy Individuals with symptoms or high-risk factors

5. Developing Self-Examinations for Cancer Detection
• Self-examinations are crucial for
cancer detection in addition to
screenings.
• Some of the main considerations
underline the significance of self-
examination in the early
identification of cancer:
• Self-Examination of the Breast:
• Self-examination of the breasts
assists people in acquire
accustomed to the natural
appearance and sensation of
their breasts.
• Individuals can find any new
lumps, variations in size or shape,
skin anomalies, discharge from
the nipple, or other unexpected
breast changes by completing
monthly breast self-exams.

6. Self-Examination
• Self-Examination of the
Skin
• Regular skin self-examinations
aid in the early detection of
skin malignancies like
melanoma.
• People can look for any new
moles, changes in existing
moles, and other skin
abnormalities by thoroughly
inspecting their entire body
from head to toe.
• Self-Examination of the
Testicles
• Examining one’s testicles for
lumps, swells, or other
anomalies is known as
testicular self-examination.
• People can detect any changes
in the testicles’ size, shape, or
consistency that could indicate
testicular cancer by
undergoing monthly testicular
self-examinations.

7. Oral Self-Examination:
• When performing an oral self-examination, you should look inside of your
mouth, gums, tongue, and throat for any abnormal growths, sores, or
modifications to color or texture.
• Self-examinations of the mouth on a regular basis can help identify early
indications of oral cancer, enabling people to seek oral or medical care for
a more thorough examination.
• We promote early detection and preventive healthcare by educating
people on how to undertake this easy-to-do yet very efficient self-
examinations.

8. Conclusion
• We can help people implement proactive measures in controlling their
health by educating them about the warning signals, underlining the value
of regular checkups, and arming them with information regarding self-
examinations. Make your health a priority by taking the first step. We
strongly advise you to speak with your healthcare professional or a
specialist if you have any questions or need direction.
• Source: https://www.healthizalife.com/self-awareness-of-early-cancer-
detection/