Oct 6, 2009 6:11 am US/Eastern
HealthWatch: 7 Possible Signs Of Cancer
Many Symptoms Are Common But Prolonged Can Be The First Signs Of Something Far Worse Than Previously Thought
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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A cancer patients holds the tubes that funnel chemotherapy drugs into his body at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center June 17, 2003 in Fayetteville, N.C.
Chris Hondros/Getty Images
Studies show that women are more likely then men to get recommended health checkups and cancer screenings. But they're still capable of ignoring some important symptoms.
There are seven subtle, but significant cancer warning signs women shouldn't overlook.
"I'm very conscious of every nuance that's a little different," Rebecca Rosenzwaig said.
Rosenzwaig has a family history of breast cancer, so when she felt a small breast lump she took it seriously.
"I wanted to be proactive and in self exam I found a small lump and pursued it," Rosenzwaig said.
It was a false alarm, but her vigilance was the right approach. Women often miss even less obvious symptoms that could actually be cancer warning signs.
"Not all symptoms are going to be cancer, but very often cancer can be detected on self examination," said Dr. Sharon Rosenbaum-Smith said.
Unexplained weight loss, for example, isn't something to ignore.
"Weight loss can be an early sign of a developing cancer," Dr. Rosenbaum-Smith said.
Stomach, pancreatic and even ovarian cancers can cause you to lose weight when you're not trying.
Rosenbaum-Smith said an infection such as a cold or flu can make lymph nodes swell, but if the symptoms last longer than two weeks, it could mean more.
"A lump under the arm pit can sometimes indicate a breast cancer that spread. If there are lymph nodes that are enlarged over multiple areas of the body that can signify a lymphoma," Rosenbaum-Smith said.
Bloating is a normal symptom every now and then, but if it doesn't go away -- that's a red flag.
"One thing that we're always concerned about is the possibility of ovarian cancer," Rosenbaum-Smith said.
Fever can be a sign cancer has spread from it's original site, or it can also point to an early blood cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma.
The American Cancer Society says fatigue can be early indicator of stomach or colon cancer, but it's so common that many busy women just brush it aside.
Most women know to be on the lookout for lumps, but remember other symptoms are just as important.
"Any time there is a redness of the breasts that persists over time and any change in the nipple itself," Rosenbaum-Smith said.
Coughs are commonplace during cold and flu season, but any cough that lasts longer than four weeks needs a visit to the doctor. Lung cancer can happen, even in people who don't smoke.
When you visit your doctor make sure you're prepared to give details. Take time before the visit to write down when your symptoms started, how often you experience them, and anything that makes them better or worse.
That way you'll be on your way to a diagnosis faster.
Smokers should beware of white spots in the mouth or tongue. Both can be an early warning sign of oral cancer.
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