Every year the 4th of February reminds us of one of the deadliest diseases that we are still fighting as a society ‘Cancer’. Every year millions of cancer cases are recorded the world over. In 2012 as many as 14.1 million cases were recorded. Even after so many years of research, there is still no proper cure and care. Creating awareness becomes highly important so that new cases can be reduced. The more people will talk about it the more awareness will be created so the primary aim is to make people talk about it more all across the globe.
Keeping in lieu with the aim of World Cancer Day, we bring to you two most common cancers that men and women face and everything about them
COMMON CANCERS IN MEN:
PROSTATE CANCER:
It is the number one killer and risk factor in men all across the world. The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive organ and this cancer is a very slowly progressing disease.
SYMPTOMS
- Frequent & painful urination
- Hard to start urinating
- Bone pain
- Urinary incontinence
- Leg weakness
HOW TO IDENTIFY AT EARLY STAGE:
Besides looking for the above-mentioned symptoms one can also take a blood test to detect prostate cancer, It is called PSA test and all men at age 50 must get it done. Most men reach old age and die without knowing that they have prostate cancer. This test becomes necessary if you have a family history. Doctors often conduct a rectal exam also with the test.
LUNG CANCER:
Killer number two in men is lung cancer that is also known to affect a large proportion of the population.
SYMPTOMS:
- Short breath/ Noisy breath
- Chest pain,
- Cough/ Coughing up blood
HOW TO IDENTIFY AT EARLY STAGE:
A number of tests are done to identify this. Lungs are examined, checking of sputum and CT scan. Men who smoke must get their lungs screening
COMMON CANCERS IN WOMEN:
BREAST CANCER:
Most common cancer that affects the women population world over.
SYMPTOMS:
- Lumps in breasts
- Discharge other than milk
- Change in shape of nipples
- Skin Irritation/Redness
- Swelling/Pain
HOW TO IDENTIFY AT EARLY STAGE:
Keep checking your breast for hardness and lumps. Doctors also advise regular breast examination since it is painless, you won’t feel a thing and disease might have progressed! If you have a family history than your risk gets doubled!
COLORECTAL CANCER:
A cancer of the colon and rectal that accounts for many deaths in women.
SYMPTOMS:
- Any change in your bowel pattern
- Discomfort/bloating/cramps
- Blood in stools
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Alternating diarrhoea & constipation & feeling that your bowel does not empty completely!
HOW TO IDENTIFY AT EARLY STAGE:
Besides the symptoms listed above, having a family history is a big factor in this type of cancer. You are at high risk if you are a heavy drinker or smoker. In this case, early detection can save a life.
Lung cancer is also one of the most common cancers in women and it accounts for many deaths as well. In the case of such a deadly disease awareness can save a lot of lives so this cancer day lets all unite in the fight.