Prevention is always better than cure. Awareness regarding cancer and its preventive measures is less in India. Here’s a list of some cancer symptoms, which are overlooked by women. If there are any of these warning symptoms, then it’s time for you to consult your gynaecologist.

Breast changes:

• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast

Abnormal vaginal bleeding

• Bleeding after vaginal sex
• Bleeding and spotting between periods
• Periods that are longer or heavier than usual
• Bleeding after menopause(12 months after cessation of menses)

Such bleeding could indicate something as benign as an endometrial polyp or something more serious like endometrial or cervical cancer.

Abnormal discharge from the vagina

 Discharge may be blood stained and may occur between your periods or after menopause with foul odour.

Bloating

Ovarian cancer is considered to be the most deadly cancer among reproductive tract. If you any of the following symptoms persistently then you should consult your doctor:

• Bloating
• Changing bowel or bladder habits, such as urinating more frequently
• Low back or pelvic pain

Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss of appetite or weakness or fatigue

Pelvic pain – Cramping and aches are a normal part of the menstrual cycle and do not usually indicate the presence of cancer or any other serious condition. However, pain that lasts for longer periods of time and occurs more frequently could be a sign of cancer.

Skin Changes- Changes in moles or pigmented lesions on the vulva can also point to cancer.

Blood in urine or faeces- Bloody stool is often from hemorrhoids, but it can also be a symptom of colon cancer. Bloody urine is usually the first sign of cancer of the bladder or kidneys

Changes in Lymph Nodes – Swollen neck nodes, nodes in underarms or any other abnormal swellings in the body.

Long standing cough with blood could be a sign of lung cancer.