Top 'red flag' cancer signs identified
Scientists have identified eight key signs of cancer, hoping to promote early detection of the condition and improve the quality of life in the sufferers.
There are more than 200 different types of cancer, all of which are characterized with various symptoms. Cancer Research UK scientists, however, believe eight symptoms are comparable between all of these malignancies.
According to the study published in the British Journal of General Practice, the presence of blood in urine (urological cancers), anemia (possible colon cancer), bleeding from the rectum (a sign of bowel cancer in older age groups), coughing up blood (potential lung cancer), breast lump or mass (breast cancer), difficulty swallowing (possibly esophageal cancer), post-menopausal bleeding (gynecological cancer) and abnormal prostate tests are the warning signs linked with cancer.
Individuals with these symptoms are at a one in 20 or higher chance of being diagnosed with cancer. The relative risk of having the disease in individuals with these symptoms, however, is rather low.
Age is considered as an important factor influencing the accuracy of these red flags in detecting cancer. Certain age groups with these symptoms, therefore, should be instantly referred for further examination unless there is another plausible explanation for the symptoms.
"Iron deficiency anemia in a 21-year old female is extremely unlikely to be due to colorectal cancer, whereas in a 60-year old male, cancer is likely,” said Kevin Barraclough, a GP from Stroud.
Scientists concluded that while these warning symptoms do not necessarily mean cancer, identifying and acting on them may detect possible malignancies in earlier stages, providing cancer patients with a better chance of responding to treatment.
"It’s useful to see these well-known 'red flag' symptoms and signs validated in primary care research, and reinforces the importance of encouraging patients to discuss worrying symptoms early with their GP," said Professor Amanda Howe, honorary secretary of the Royal College of General Practitioners.
Considering the fact that the abovementioned red flags are not the only symptoms of cancer, scientists urged individuals to visit their physician if they noticed any unusual or persistent change in their body.
Source: presstv.ir
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