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Cancer specialists say it's not at all uncommon to overlook or dismiss early warning signs of several common cancers, from uterine and ovarian to colon and lung. Doctors have always stressed that early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes-but many warning signs of cancer can mimic everyday complaints like bloating, fatigue and back pain. So, what exactly are the early cancer symptoms that women over 50 need to pay special attention to? Keep scrolling to find out.
Early cancer symptoms you should never ignore
Uterine, ovarian, colon, lung, bladder and kidney cancer can all have warning signs that may be hard to catch. Here's what to look for:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause
This is the "hallmark symptom" of uterine cancer, according to gynecologic oncologist Vincent Wagner, MD, of University of Iowa Health Care. Pelvic pain and pink or watery discharge, often mistaken for a mild infection, can also signal the disease. [Full story]
James Van Der Beek's Final Wish: The One Symptom He Almost Ignored
Bloating, belly pain and feeling full quickly
These issues are often dismissed as simple digestive issues, when they can actually be early symptoms of ovarian cancer. "It's only a silent killer if we aren't listening," says Yale gynecologic oncologist Mitchell Clark, MD, noting 90 percent of women with ovarian cancer do have symptoms. The key is knowing what to look for. [Full story]
Unexplained weight loss and changes in bowel habits
Both are sneaky signs of colon cancer-the same disease that the late actor James Van Der Beek had-that are easy to attribute to something like your diet. That's a problem, since colon cancer cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and is expected to become the top cause for people under 50 by 2030. Screening is now recommended starting at age 45. [Full story]
Shortness of breath, a lingering cough and chest pain
Breathing changes can all point to signs of lung cancer. Yet only 20 percent of eligible people get screened for this type of cancer, according to Johns Hopkins oncologist Julie R. Brahmer, MD. Those ages 50 to 80 who smoke or quit within the past 15 years should talk to their doctor about getting tested. [Full story]
Repeated UTIs and frequent or painful urination
These sneaky issues can actually be symptoms of bladder cancer, says urologic oncologist Ruchika Talwar, MD, of Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Tumors create areas where bacteria hide, and doctors may sometimes mistakenly treat infections repeatedly without investigating further, which can delay diagnosis. [Full story]
Kidney cancer is often ‘silent'
Unlike other types of cancer that have noticeable symptoms (subtle as they may be), most cases of kidney cancer are found incidentally during imaging for unrelated issues. No routine screening test exists for the disease, which is why knowing your risk factors for this disease is so important. [Full story]
James Van Der Beek and I Overlooked the Same Early Sign of Colon Cancer
Lifestyle changes that may reduce your cancer risk
Smoking, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are shared risk factors across nearly all the cancers covered above. Doctors say quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help lower the risk of many types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.
More cancer news:
New Pancreatic Cancer Drug Wiped Out Tumors in Study-What It Means for Future Treatment
5 Thyroid Cancer Symptoms a Top Surgeon Says Are Easy to Miss-But Crucial to Catch
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
