Article from the fitness Cheat Sheet, titled "Silent Killers! 10 Cancers That Can Show No Signs or Symptoms".
While you may think visiting the doctor yearly and getting your routine check-up should be enough to prevent cancers of all types, the truth is that many cancers can be tough to catch early no matter the preventative measures taken. Eating nutritious foods, knowing your family history, and getting plenty of physical activity is a great start for preventing cancer. But knowing exactly what signs and symptoms to look out for, even if you think your health and lifestyle is top-notch, can be life-saving.
Some cancers in particular can be difficult to detect — the American Cancer Society explains the signs and symptoms depend on the location of the cancer itself, how large the area is, and if the cancer has spread. Some cancers fail to show any symptoms until they have grown or spread, or the symptoms that are shown may easily be mistaken for symptoms of something else (fever, fatigue, and weight loss can be common in this case). The following 10 cancers can be particularly hard to detect because of their lack of symptoms early on, so continue to receive check-ups annually and know your family history in case you’re more susceptible to any that are listed.
1. Pancreatic cancer.
The pancreas itself is a small organ that rests within the abdomen, and in general, its uses vary from helping with the digestion of food to secreting hormones that help with maintaining proper blood sugar levels. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult to diagnose because many people don’t experience symptoms during the early stages. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, there are also no reliable tests for people who may have this cancer if there are no symptoms present.
Some symptoms of pancreatic cancer include pain in the upper abdomen or upper back, the swelling of extremities due to a blood clot, bloated stomach, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, chills, fever, and weight loss. Because pancreatic cancer prevents the body from properly digesting fats, those with the disease may have abnormal stool. Many of these symptoms could easily be seen as a bad stomach virus setting in or even the flu, though, thus making the beginning stages of pancreatic cancer very difficult to detect.
When the cancer begins to spread, jaundice is a common sign, and it can be seen in both the yellowing of the skin and eyes. Fluid in the abdomen and early-onset diabetes are also more advanced signs of the disease.
2. Prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer and other diseases related to the prostate are becoming more prevalent in American men; about one in eight men will develop prostate cancer, and 50% of these cases will occur in men over the age of 50. Prostate Advocates Aiding Choices in Treatments explains prostate cancer can be incredibly difficult to detect because of its general lack of symptoms, and by the time signs are noticeable, the cancer has most likely spread to the bone, where it then becomes much more difficult to treat.
The prostate itself is a gland located at the base of the bladder and around the urethra, and it produces the fluid for sperm. Because the symptoms for prostate cancer and benign prostate enlargement are so similar and become a more common occurrence with age, many men commonly ignore these slight indicators. Some signs to look out for include urinary tract infections and a weak urine stream, blood in the urine, erectile dysfunction, and back pain. If you’re aware that you have a family history of the disease, then watching for these symptoms is crucial, and working to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake as you age can also help to avoid prostate irritation.
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3. Bladder cancer.
While bladder cancer also does not come with a long list of noticeable symptoms, it’s also not a very well-known or heavily discussed disease, which makes it all the more dangerous. According to the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, about 70,000 cases of this disease are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. This cancer is also more likely to occur in older adults, and the exposure to tobacco, industrial solvents, paints, and paint thinners raises this risk.
The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine, but that’s about it. You may also notice a more frequent need to urinate or painful urination as well. Signs like pain in the midsection or the bones in the bladder area indicate it’s already spread. If bladder cancer is in your family history and you experience blood in your urine, it is important to check with an urologist to ensure that you are cancer-free.
4. Colon cancer.
Most people are aware blood in the stool is a common symptom of colon cancer, but what makes this type of cancer a silent killer is the fact that this blood does not always appear as the bright red color you may expect. Colorectal cancer arises from a tumor forming in the inner wall of the large intestine says MedicineNet, and most cases form from polyps, which are growths on the inner lining of the colon. Because there are often no symptoms associated with the very early signs of colon cancer, removing any known polyps can greatly reduce your risk of cancer development.
As for symptoms of colon cancer, the most common is having blood in the stool that is dark, black, or tarry, according to Men’s Health. Having blood in your stool does not automatically mean cancer, however; it can also mean you have a bleeding ulcer or ulcerative colitis. Abdominal pain, weight loss, and a loss of appetite can also signify colon cancer.
MyAchingKnees comment: The intake of dietary fiber is important for colon health. Ensure you are getting your daily amount,..plus some. I do the easy thing, I take a fiber mix in my morning protein shakes, that way I leave the house having already consumed about 80% of my daily needs.
5. Testicular cancer.
The scary thing about testicular cancer is it’s just as likely to affect men between the ages of 20 and 45 as it is older males, says the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Testicular cancer typically develops in the germ cells, which are sperm-producing cells. While these cancerous tumors typically grow within the testicles, they can also grow near the spine or between the lungs. While testicular cancer sounds daunting, the good news is that it is almost always curable if detected early, and it is typically still treatable even when it hits a later stage.
Some men do not experience many noticeable symptoms at all in the early stages of testicular cancer, but there are a few hallmark signs to look out for and notice if they are to arise. One of the first signs is usually a small lump on the testicle or enlargement of the testicle itself. Though this lump may be no larger than a pea, it’s important to get it checked by a doctor just in case, even if you do not experience any pain or tenderness. Testicular cancer may also cause unevenness in the size of the testicles as well, or an ache in the lower abdomen or groin area.
6. Kidney cancer.
Kidney cancer may not be a type you hear about as frequently as others, but UCLA Health says it affects thousands of men and women each year. If diagnosed early, the chances of survival increase, but once the disease has advanced into later stages, it can be very difficult to treat. The tricky thing, though, is there often aren’t many symptoms early on.
It’s possible to experience pain between the upper abs and back on the side where the cancer is located, and it’s also possible to experience flu-like symptoms, fever, rapid weight loss, and fatigue. Unfortunately, most people do not experience any signs or symptoms until the cancer has reached a more serious stage. When the cancer progresses, blood can be found in the urine, but even that can be hard to spot with your own eyes. If you do detect blood in your urine, you should contact your doctor to get it checked out.
7. Stomach cancer.
We’re all familiar with stomach pain and nausea, but few of us ever consider frequent bouts of gastric pain may actually be related to stomach cancer. According to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, there are actually four different types of stomach cancer. Most cases start within the cells of the innermost stomach lining, and in the early stages, there are often no symptoms.
Some people do experience some stomach pain and nausea with this cancer, but because the symptoms match those of common bugs, many will not seek medical help. There is one peculiar symptom worth noting: a feeling of being extremely full, even after only eating a small meal. Others experience a lack of appetite and accompanying weight loss or heartburn. If you notice these symptoms and you’re over the age of 55, then it’s a good idea to ask your doctor about screening.
8. Ovarian cancer.
While men don’t have to worry about this type of cancer, women should be extra vigilant in knowing even the smallest symptoms indicating early ovarian cancer. When abnormal cells in the ovaries begin to multiply out of control, tumors can form and spread to other areas of the body, says Healthline. While there are some symptoms associated with ovarian cancer, they can come and go and are very similar to symptoms for less serious illnesses.
Early symptoms for this disease include abdominal pain and bloating, difficulty eating in general, and an increase in urination. Heartburn, constipation, back pain, menstrual irregularities, and painful intercourse are also associated with ovarian cancer, but again, these symptoms alone may lead you to believe something else is amiss. It’s important to remember these symptoms will persist if cancer is the cause.
While yearly visits to the doctor can often keep you healthy, ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect because there isn’t routine diagnostic screening. That being said, pelvic exams can help doctors find any irregularities.
9. Liver cancer.
The liver’s function is to filter the blood, so in the case of liver cancer, cancer cells from elsewhere in the body can actually lodge themselves in the liver and grow. The Canadian Liver Foundation says cancers can sometimes begin in the gut and then spread to the liver this way. Liver cancer can also start in the organ itself. Once the disease hits the later stages, it can then spread to other parts of the liver.
In the early stages of liver cancer, there are nearly no symptoms, and those that are present are ones you could attribute to other illnesses. Weight loss, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain may occur. There’s good news for those who have a healthy liver, though — it’s rare to develop the disease out of the blue. But for those who have chronic liver disease, it’s worth being really in tune to these symptoms.
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10. Vaginal cancer.
This type of cancer is rare, but because it has so few symptoms that can easily be ignored, it’s worth mentioning. According to Mayo Clinic, vaginal cancer can occur in multiple ways. The most common type of vaginal cancer starts in the thin, flat cells that line the vagina’s surface, but it can also start in the pigment-producing cells or the connective tissue cells.
Most women who develop vaginal cancer don’t have symptoms early on, but as the cancer progresses, there are certain signs to look out for. Unusual vaginal bleeding may occur, and this can happen after intercourse or menopause. You may also feel a lump in your vagina and have painful, frequent urination.
