It is a common misconception that there are clearly defined symptoms of cancer. Many people believe that it is possible to determine if they are suffering from one of the common form of cancer simply by the way they look or feel. With very few exceptions, this is patently untrue. In reality, very few forms of cancer have a clearly defined set of symptoms or signs.
Because there are no symptoms for many forms of cancer patients are encouraged to instead consider their risk factors. For example, a patient who in a long history of smoking should recognize their increased risk of throw long or other cancers related to tobacco use. Speaking with a doctor regarding your particular history is the best way to access your particular risk factors.
This idea confuses many patients who strongly believe that they can tell that, based on certain symptoms, they have cancer. Exceptions to this rule include breast cancer when patient may feel a lump in one or more breasts, lymphatic cancer, in which patients may feel a lump in alymph node or other types of cancers where large tumors can be felt by the patient.
Still, it is important to recognize that a general feeling of unwellness, being inordinately tired, having a poor appetite or other such symptoms may be an indication that something is wrong. Patients who are suffering from symptoms like this are encouraged to meet with a doctor to determine what illness may be affecting them.
Cancer is a scary thing, and many people are terrified of ‘catching’ it. Focus carefully on your risk factors and discuss them with your doctor is a better way to protect yourself than by focusing on your ‘symptoms.’