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The
American Cancer Society has been educating the public
about cancer detection methods since 1922. Originally,
only two warning signs were published; however, for more
than 40 years, there have been seven warning signs.
Regional
Cancer Centre, Trivandrum has developed an innovative
low cost strategy utilizing trained unemployed youth for
a cancer screening cum detection survey using modified
13 warning signals of cancer as a screening strategy to
pick up high risk cases.
The
following are the warning signals:
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| Warning
signals of oral cancer and precancerous lesions |
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Cancer
of the oral cavity is predominantly seen among those who
chew tobacco.The red and white coloured patches ,non healing
ulcers of long duration, ulcers caused by sharp tooth etc
has to be shown to a doctor.Inability to tolerate spices
along with glistening appearence of the tongue and lining
of cheeks especially in tobacco habituees needs medical
attention.
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| Warning
signals of breast cancer |
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Lump
in the breast which is increasing in size and or causing
pain and changes in the overlying skin is a warning symptom.Red
or brown coloured discharge from the nipple or any swelling
in the axilla needs to be investigated.
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Warning
signals of uterine cervical cancer
Bleeding
per vagina after intercourse ,excess discharge from the
vagina, bleeding after attaining menopause and bleeding
between menstrual periods are symptoms that needs a consultation
with a gynaecologist.
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| Head
and Neck cancer |
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Painless
enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck, appearance of
tumours or nodules in the neck especially in tobacco habituees
and alcoholics are one of the warning signals of head
and neck cancers. There are many benign conditions where
the same
symptoms can occur.
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Prostate cancer
Frequency,
urgency and difficulty in passing urine with or without
blood in males above 50 years needs medical help.
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| Gastro
intenstinal cancer or Colorectal cancer |
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Bleeding per rectum with altered bowel habits like constipation
alternating with diarrhoea and passing mucous with abdominal
discomfort can be a warning signal of gastrointestinal
cancer or colorectal cancer - consult a Surgeon.
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Skin cancer
Changes
in moles or pigmented skin lesions like appearance of
fissuring, ridges, furrows and ulceration in the moles,
appearance of satellite lesions, itching with bleeding
and sudden enlargement of pigmented moles can be warning
signals
of skin cancer in rare cases.
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Cancer of larynx(Vocal cord)
Progressive
hoarseness of voice ulitmately resulting in absence of
sound especially in a smoker or alcoholic can be warning
symptom of cancer of larynx(vocal cord).
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Cancer of the Oesophagus
Progressive
dysphagia i.e. difficulty in swallowing solid food and
later on leading to difficulty in drinking can be a warning
signal of cancer oesophagus - consult a Gastroentrologist.
Similar complaints can be present in psychosomatic patients
and in some
other benign conditions.
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Tumours
Swelling
or enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck, bony swellings
or tumour anywhere in the body can be a signal of benign
or malignant tumour - Consult a surgeon.
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Leukaemia
Combined
symptoms of lymph nodular enlargement, pallor, loss of
weight, fatigue, bleeding gums, weakness, recurrent fever
and bone pain may be a warning symptom of leukaemia.
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Non healing ulcers
Non
healing ulcers of long duration anywhere in the body which
is not responding to antibiotic treatment may transform
to malignancy and hence it is advisable to consult a surgeon.
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Others
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| Bleeding from any orifice like nose, ear, anus, vagina, mouth
or from the conjuctiva may be warning signal of cancer in
rare cases. |
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Any
individual having any of the above mentioned warning signals
need not panic as it does not mean that they have cancer.
But they should consult a doctor so that they can have
the necessary investigations done to rule out cancer.
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