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What You Need To Know About™

Cancer - An Overview

In English     En español
    Posted: 10/04/2006



Introduction






Understanding Cancer






Risk Factors






Screening






Symptoms






Diagnosis






Staging






Treatment






Complementary and Alternative Medicine






Nutrition and Physical Activity






Follow-up Care






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The Promise of Cancer Research






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Symptoms

Cancer can cause many different symptoms. These are some of them:

  • A thickening or lump in the breast or any other part of the body
  • A new mole or a change in an existing mole
  • A sore that does not heal
  • Hoarseness or a cough that does not go away
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits
  • Discomfort after eating
  • A hard time swallowing
  • Weight gain or loss with no known reason
  • Unusual bleeding or discharge
  • Feeling weak or very tired

Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. They may also be caused by benign tumors or other problems. Only a doctor can tell for sure. Anyone with these symptoms or other changes in health should see a doctor to diagnose and treat problems as early as possible.

Usually, early cancer does not cause pain. If you have symptoms, do not wait to feel pain before seeing a doctor.

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