Cancer signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms are changes in our body which signal that something is not right in the body.

Treatment works best when cancer is found early – while it is still small and is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. This often means a better chance for a cure. And so we should not ignore signs and symptoms in our body.

Signs and symptons of some cancers are as follows:

Colon cancer - Long-term constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the size of the stool. Moreover, blood in the stool (which can look like very dark or black stool) could also be a sign of colon or rectal cancer.

 

Lung cancer - a cough that does not go away, coughing up blood.

 

Cancer of the larynx (voice box) or thyroid gland - hoarseness.

 

Bladder or prostate cancer - pain when passing urine, blood in the urine, or a change in bladder function (such as needing to pass urine more or less often than usual).

 

Skin cancers - may bleed and look like sores that don’t heal.

 

Along with skin cancers, some other cancers can cause skin changes that can be seen. These signs and symptoms include:

• Darker looking skin (hyperpigmentation)
• Yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Reddened skin (erythema)
• Itching (pruritis)
• Excessive hair growth

The cancers that occur mostly in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes (glands) and the soft tissues of the body can also be felt through the skin. A lump or thickening may be an early or late sign of cancer especially if it has grown in size.

 

Any wart, mole, or freckle that changes color, size, or shape, or that loses its sharp border may be a melanoma.

 

Breast cancer - some show up as red or thickened skin rather than a lump. A bloody discharge from the nipple may also be a sign.

 

Cancer of the cervix or the endometrium (lining of the uterus) - can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding.

 

Oral cancer - A long-lasting sore in the mouth.

 

White patches inside the mouth and white spots on the tongue may be leukoplakia, which is a pre-cancerous area that’s caused by frequent irritation. If it’s not treated, leukoplakia can become mouth cancer. 

 

Cancers of the esophagus, stomach and pharynx (throat) - Indigestion or swallowing problems that don’t go away.

 

Sores on the penis or vagina may either be signs of infection or an early cancer. 

 

Pain may be an early symptom with some cancers like bone cancers or testicular cancer. A headache that does not go away or get better with treatment may be a symptom of a brain tumor. Back pain can be a symptom of cancer of the colon, rectum, or ovary. Most often, pain due to cancer means it has already spread (metastasized) from where it started.

 

A cancer may also cause symptoms like fever, extreme tiredness (fatigue) or weight loss. This may be because cancer cells use up much of the body’s energy supply, or they may release substances that change the way the body makes energy from food. 

 

For weight loss, most people with cancer will lose weight at some point. An unexplained weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be the first sign of cancer. This happens most often with cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus (swallowing tube) or lung.

 

Fever is very common with cancer, but it more often happens after cancer has spread from where it started. Almost all people with cancer will have fever at some time, especially if the cancer or its treatment affects the immune system. Less often, fever may be an early sign of cancer, such as blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma.

 

Fatigue may be an important symptom as cancer grows. But it may happen early in some cancers, like leukemia. Some colon or stomach cancers can cause blood loss that is not obvious. This is another way cancer can cause fatigue.

 

But sometimes cancer starts in places where it won’t cause any signs or symptoms until it has grown quite large. For example, cancers of the pancreas.

 

In addition, cancer cells may release substances into the bloodstream that cause symptoms that are not usually linked to cancer. For example, some cancers of the pancreas can release substances that cause blood clots in veins of the legs. Some lung cancers make hormone-like substances that raise blood calcium levels. This affects nerves and muscles, making the person feel weak and dizzy.

Benefits of Drinking Aloe Vera

Aloe vera (also known as the lily of the desert) has long been known as a soothing and calming remedy for the skin and overall wellness.

It delivers a variety of polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, minerals and other nutrients that support overall health and wellness. The polysaccharides support digestive system health and healthy pH levels in the stomach already within the normal range.

Drinking aloe vera juice has grown in popularity lately. It delivers a number of benefits, including support for:

• Digestive system
• Immune system
• Joints and muscles
• Overall wellness
• Skin and hair
• Healthy weight management

The aloe vera plant features juice and gel, both of which support skin and immune system health. Aloe vera juice comes from the outer parts of the leaf and is often consumed orally. When you break open the green leafy skin of the aloe vera plant, you will see the gel. It can be used topically to soothe and moisturize skin or ingested orally to promote overall wellness and support skin health.

 

Aloe vera also comes in capsules, tablets and more to help support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels already within the normal range.

 

Two to four ounces of aloe vera is generally recognized as safe to ingest on a daily basis.

 

Avoid products with aloe latex, aloin or aloe-emoin compounds.

 

If you are taking medications or supplements for digestive issues, talk to your doctor before ingesting aloe vera. Some people may be allergic to aloe vera, so test it on a small area first.

How to take calcium

Because calcium is associated with strong, healthy bones, many people choose to supplement it. There are numerous types of calcium supplements to choose from. But taking more calcium can overdo it. The recommended daily Intake of calcium is around 1,000 mg, and so unless your doctor recommends more there is not much of a reason to supplement beyond that.

In addition, calcium is best absorbed in smaller doses of 500 mg or less. Anything over 500 mg will not be absorbed well by the body and will simply be wasted. So, if you need to supplement 1,000 mg of elemental calcium a day, you will have to take 500 mg twice a day to for the best absorption.

Since calcium supplements can cause stomach discomfort for some people, many opt to take it at mealtimes to avoid difficulty.

In the meantime, if you are not getting enough other vitamins, minerals and trace minerals, you likely will not absorb calcium as well. For example, if you are deficient in vitamin D, you will only absorb 10% of your calcium instead of the average 30%. So, it is important to also make sure you are getting enough vitamin D, magnesium, and vitamin K along with calcium.

Besides supplements, there are many foods that contain calcium. Most well-known is dairy products. And leafy green vegetables have high amounts of calcium, too

Health benefits of some herbs and spices

Herbs and spices, just like other plants and roots, are an excellent way to boost our health. Some of these include the following:

Ginger

Ginger is packed with nutrients and health benefits. Ginger has amino acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and C. In addition to those nutrients, ginger is a well-known traditional herbal remedy for mild and occasional digestive discomfort and indigestion. It helps protect the liver and stomach, promotes circulation, helps support joint health, and supposedly holds mild aphrodisiac properties.

Garlic

Garlic contains manganese, vitamins B6 and C and selenium. Studies show that garlic can help support the immune system. Garlic supplements are popular for promoting cardiovascular health. It is also high in antioxidants, which may have a supportive impact on blood pressure and cholesterol already within the normal range. Garlic is one of the jack-of-all-trades of cooking. It pairs well with most savory dishes.

Turmeric

Turmeric is the antioxidant king! It is a member of the ginger family and has been gaining popularity for its health benefits. The main active component of turmeric is curcumin, a potent antioxidant with powerful effects. Curcumin also acts as a mental booster, increasing brain function while working to delay age-related decreases in brain function. Turmeric helps support cardiovascular health, joint health, digestive health and mood. Turmeric is traditionally used in curries.

Black Pepper

Most notably, black pepper is great at facilitating good digestion by increasing hydrochloric acid secretion in the gut. Black pepper may also aid weight loss efforts since it assists the breakdown of fat cells. Many people supplement black pepper because it enhances bioavailability of other herbs and supplements, maximizing the benefits of taking vitamins and supplements. It is especially known to enhance the benefits of curcumin (found in turmeric), so try to use the two together whenever possible.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices in the world (just behind pepper and mustard). This spice is well-loved for the warm, sweet flavors it lends to desserts and has numerous health benefits. It warms the body while naturally counteracting nausea. Cinnamon can also fight bad breath and aid circulation.

Mustard

Mustard seeds contain selenium and magnesium, two nutrients that can be difficult to find in the average diet and have powerful antioxidant properties. Mustard seeds also have good amounts of phosphorus, copper and manganese. Mustard is a member of the Brassica family, like broccoli and cabbage, and has phytonutrients that support overall wellness. Mustard seed is beneficial for gastrointestinal health.

Parsley

Parsley can help improve general wellness since it has such strong antioxidants and nutrients. It is a natural source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, C, B1 and B3, folate, iron, copper, fiber, zinc and much more. Parsley is known to benefit urinary tract, kidney and digestive health.