Cancer, the word, many young women will rather not think about;
dismissing it as a problem of older women.
The religious ones will out
rightly say “God Forbid” or “It’s not my portion” if the word was ever
mentioned to them.
Despite the denial, the rate of breast cancer in younger patients is
on the increase. Prof. Clement Adebamowo, the Director, Society of
Oncology and Cancer Research of Nigeria, SOCRON, once said “women of
ages 25-64 are mostly at risk of cancer of the breast and cervical
cancers.
In a chat with Dr. Deji Adeyemi of All Souls Infirmary, Agege,
he pointed out some of the warning signs women often overlook.
- Coughing:
One of the signs of lung cancer Dr. Adeyemi says is persistent
coughing lasting well over three or four weeks. This type of cough
should not be ignored.
- Shortness of Breath/Difficulty breathing:
If you ever find yourself struggling to catch your breath, this may
be an indication of lung cancer, although not all cases of breathing
difficulties are lung cancer.
- Changes in nails
Whoever knew that different types of cancer can be detected from the
fingernails but as studies have shown, a brown or black streak or dot
under the nail can indicate skin cancer, while enlargement of the ends
of the fingers with nails that curve down over the tips can be a sign of
lung cancer. Pale or white nails are also sometimes a sign of liver
cancer. - Heavy/painful periods or bleeding between periods
This could be a sign of endometrial or uterine cancer. If you ever
experience this, it is important that you quickly ask for a transvaginal
ultrasound. - Chest pain:
- Continuous Bleeding:
- Orange Breasts: Many women know their breast and do regular self examinations, but many are still not informed
- Weight Loss:
- Bloating:
- Difficulty Swallowing: